Force Protection receives $9.3 million vehicle order from Marines

The U.S. Marines evidently have been impressed with the field performance of the Cougar rapid response vehicle manufactured by Force Protection Inc.

The Ladson-based company announced Wednesday that it had received a follow-on order for 15 additional Cougars, which are used to dispose of explosive ordinance. The order, which includes associated support items and services, is worth an estimated $9.3 million.

The U.S. Department of Defense awarded Force Protection a contract for 79 Cougars in May. This marks the second delivery order made under the contract in less than two months. All vehicles will be manufactured and delivered to the government this year.

To date, Force Protection has placed more than 30 field service representatives in the field to assist the armed forces in training and vehicle maintenance in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We have a proven solution to counter (explosive devices) in the Cougar,” said Wayne Phillips, vice president for Marine Corps programs. “It is being fielded in greater numbers every day, and with the support system created by the deployment of our field service reps, troops will continue to have the resources that ensure optimal use of these vehicles.”