Ladson, SC – Force Protection, Inc. announced a delivery order for 17 additional mine-protected Cougar Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Rapid Response Vehicles to be used in Iraq and Afghanistan at an amount not to exceed $16.5 million.

This marks the second such order within the past week made under a joint contract awarded by the Department of Defense for approximately 120 Cougar vehicles, bringing the total number of vehicles ordered to 88 for an amount not to exceed $62.2 million.

The order, which is funded by the Joint Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Defeat Task Force, marks the first time that all military services will receive the armored vehicle. The Cougar has been deployed with the Marines in Iraq since last fall. Under the contract, Force Protection will manufacture the vehicles and provide training, spare part blocks, and technical data. The first vehicles are expected to reach the field by early fall 2005.

“The increasing demand for our vehicles is great news for our deployed servicemen and women who need this protection against IEDs, land mines and roadside ambushes,” said Force Protection CEO Gordon McGilton. “The need for this solution could not be more pressing and is reflected in this additional funding and new order.”

The Cougar H series is a family of medium-sized blast-protected vehicles and is produced in both 4 and 6 wheel layouts. It can be customized for multiple tasks including troop transport, mine and explosive ordnance disposal, command and control, reconnaissance and as a lead convoy vehicle.

Force Protection, Inc.
23.05.2005