Force Protection, Inc. Wins $45 Million Contract For Armored Vehicles Bound for Iraq
Monday May 16, 9:20 am ET
Cougar Troop Carriers Are Blast-Protected
LADSON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 16, 2005--The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRPT - News) a procurement contract for approximately 120 mine-protected Cougar Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Rapid Response Vehicles to be used in Iraq and Afghanistan. The first delivery order under the contract was announced today for 71 vehicles at an amount not to exceed $45.7 million. The first vehicles are expected to reach the field by early fall 2005.
"This joint order clearly reflects the recognition by both military and government leaders that our vehicles provide a better solution to the threat of IEDs, land mines and roadside bombs," said Force Protection CEO Gordon McGilton. "The Cougar has been proven under the most extreme circumstances, transporting troops safely over thousands of kilometers of dangerous roads. We are extremely pleased that many more soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen will be protected by this life-saving technology."
"The Cougar Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle was the first hardened engineer vehicle delivered to Marine Expeditionary Forces last October. It has been a success in dramatically upgrading protection levels for Marines involved in highly dangerous activities such as detection and removal of explosive devices used by terrorists," said Mr. Joseph B. Murgo, Program Manager for the Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle, Marine Corps Systems Command.
"We are delighted to now work with the Army, Navy, and Air Force to ensure that all service EOD teams will benefit from the critical protection the Cougar provides."
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