The first contract for six Cougar Category I Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and associated services was awarded on April 29. The second contract for 151 Cougar MRAP vehicles and associated services was awarded on May 1. The total value of the contracts for the 157 vehicles, named Ridgebacks by the British, is approximately $94 million. These contracts are not subject to the terms of Force Protection’s joint venture.

“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 Executive Vice President for Customer Operations. “Our vehicles’ record for survivability and sustainability leads the industry. Force Protection is proud to have the continued support of our British customer.”

Vehicle production will take place at the Company’s Ladson, SC facility and is scheduled for completion by July 2009. The UK Ministry of Defence has ordered more than 330 Cougar vehicles from the Company since February 2008.