Charleston, SC Economic Development

Force Protection nets $94M UK contract for Cougar

May 7, 2008
Charleston Regional Business Journal
By Dan McCue
Force Protection has received congressional approval for two contracts to sell 157 armored Cougar vehicles to the United Kingdom. The combined value of the contracts, which were awarded April 29 and May 1, respectively, is $94 million.

“We are pleased to note the ongoing interest in and demand for the company’s proven blast protection technology around the world,” said Damon Walsh, Force Protection’s executive vice president for customer operations, in a written statement. “Our vehicles’ record for survivability and sustainability leads the industry.”

He said Force Protection is proud to have the continued support of the British military as a customer.

Vehicle production will take place at the company’s Ladson facility and is scheduled for completion by July 2009.

The U.K. Ministry of Defense has ordered more than 330 Cougar vehicles, which it calls Ridgebacks, from the company since February.

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