Force Protection Australasia Submits Bid for Australia's REDFIN Special Operations Vehicle Project

LADSON, S.C., Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Force Protection Australasia Pty Ltd (FPA), a FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ: FRPT) group company today announced it has submitted a bid to the Australian Defence Materiel Organisation for the manufacture of Special Operations Vehicles – Commando for the Australian Defence Force.

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The tender for Project JP 2097 Phase 1B (also known as Project REDFIN) is based on a variant of the company's Ocelot vehicle, which is already being evaluated as part of the Australian Government's Land 121 Phase 4 Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L) program.

Force Protection Australasia Managing Director, Dave Miller, says the Commando variant continues the Ocelot's core design concept whereby the crew and passengers sit inside a protective pod made of advanced composite materials while beneath them critical components such as the engine, fuel tank and transmission are contained in a V-shaped armoured spine that deflects a blast away from the vehicle.

"We're very confident our team has produced the most highly protected and agile vehicle of its size and weight available on today's market.  One of the most attractive aspects of the vehicle, on top of its survivability levels which protect the crew and mission systems, is its unique modular construction which means that pods can easily be changed in theatre to suit the requirements of each mission," Mr. Miller said.

The vehicle has already proven its worth when Force Protection was recently contracted by the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply its Ocelot for the MoD's urgent operational requirement for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program (LPPV).

The first of these vehicles, known as the Foxhound in the UK, is now in production and will be in service by mid-2012. Force Protection vehicles already represent some 46 per cent of the UK Army's Protected Patrol Vehicle fleet.

Force Protection Australasia is one of three companies selected for consideration to undertake the next phase of the Land 121 Phase 4 Manufactured and Supported in Australia (MSA) program, with the contract for the future production of up to 1300 vehicles valued at more than $A1 billion by the Australian Government.

The survivability and reliability of Force Protection's range of vehicles globally is demonstrated by the fact they have survived in excess of 4,000 IED and land blasts, and that the majority of its vehicles in service since 2004 remain operational.

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones.  The Company's specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and the related variants of each, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and other operations and protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs).  Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility.  The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats.  In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs.  For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection's management, and on information currently available to management. These forward-looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection's services and products; expectations for future programs and the related timing of proposals and awards; the ability to meet current and future requirements; the ability to drive manufacturing and operational efficiencies; and, the Company's execution of its business strategy, including its development initiatives and opportunities to broaden its platform.  Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.  Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, the ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company's business; the ability to win future awards and finalize contracts; and the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company's periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

SOURCE Force Protection, Inc.