Force Protection receives $50 million contract for armored vehicles

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded armored vehicle manufacturer Force Protection Inc. a contract for 79 Cougar Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles, field support, training and spare parts materials. The contract is worth approximately $50 million.

“We see the devastating effects of IEDs on our armed forces daily,” said Force Protection CEO Gordon McGilton in a statement. “We are extremely pleased with this new order, which signals that our vehicles are looked to by military and government leaders as a proven solution that continues to save lives in the face of this insidious threat.”

The contract is funded by the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization and will include management and logistics support provided by Force Protection.

“These vehicles are critically needed,” said McGilton. “Led by Sen. Lindsey Graham, who has been a strong advocate of new technology and better equipment to protect our men and women in combat, the Congressional support for more of our vehicles is growing rapidly. We look forward to seeing greater numbers shipped to the fight in the future.”

More than 64% of U.S. combat deaths in Iraq are attributed to IEDs. The technology of the Force Protection vehicles includes a V-shaped hull design that deflects the force of these blasts away from passengers inside the armored hull, and incorporates off-the-shelf American automotive components, including a truck chassis built by Spartan Motors Inc. in Charlotte, Mich. To date, no fatalities have been reported in any Force Protection vehicle.