First Ridgback MRAPs delivered

LADSON, S.C., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Force Protection Industries has delivered the first five of its Ridgback mine resistant ambush protected vehicle variants to the British Ministry of Defense.

The Ridgback, designed specifically for the British military, is based on Force Protection's 4X4 Cougar MRAP platform. The British Ministry of Defense awarded Force Protection an approximately $94 million contract for 157 Ridgback vehicles.

A ceremony Tuesday marked the first delivery of the new Ridgback variant to England. Officials say the Ridgback vehicles are expected to be deployed as part of British military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The delivery today of the first five Ridgback vehicles represents an important step in our continuing efforts to provide critical protection for the British forces," Michael Moody, Force Protection chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Through the efforts of many people within Force Protection, we are able to deliver these first Ridgback vehicles one month ahead of schedule."