Force Protection Selected for United Kingdom Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle

Force Protection Selected for United Kingdom Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle (NSI News Source Info) Ladson, SC - November 24, 2008: Force Protection Inc.’s speed of response and ability to perform to customer requirements is playing a key role in winning new orders for its range of survivability solutions. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Moody, pointed to Force Protection’s selection by the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence as the preferred bidder for the Wolfhound Tactical Support Vehicle (Heavy) program as an example of the way his company is strengthening its capability to respond to urgent operational requirements, “We completed design work and built two prototypes for Wolfhound, which is based on our highly successful Cougar vehicle, in just 90 days. During this time we also carried out blast tests and mobility trials.” Executive Vice President for Customer Operations Damon Walsh stated, “The selection of Force Protection to produce the Wolfhound confirms our responsiveness to customer needs. We offer our customers, including the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence, the flexibility to set aggressive production schedules to meet their unique requirements. In addition, our vehicles, once delivered, continue to demonstrate an operational readiness rate exceeding 90 percent. Many truck manufacturers worldwide offer the capability to deliver large quantities; what sets Force Protection apart is having both delivery performance capability and the most survivable, sustainable vehicles in the field.” Force Protection proposes to deliver these vehicles in conjunction with their UK integration partner, NP Aerospace. Two customised Cougar variants are already featured in major United Kingdom Ministry of Defence programs. The Mastiff 6x6 is in service with British forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Deliveries of the Ridgback 4x4 began in August of this year. The United Kingdom Ministry of Defence has also recently ordered 24 more Mastiffs together with 14 Force Protection Buffalo route clearance vehicles. Michael Moody said that the increasing adoption of Force Protection vehicles by the UK, the United States, Italy, France, Canada and Iraq was evidence that the company had, “The right technology at the right time. Cougar and Buffalo continue to prove their worth as the most survivable, sustainable vehicles on the battlefield.”