Hungary awards deal for Cougar MRAPs

LADSON, S.C., April 7 (UPI) -- The Hungarian Ministry of Defense has contracted armored-vehicle developer Force Protection Inc. for the company to deliver three of its Cougar vehicles.

South Carolina-based Force Protection was awarded a $1.3 million contract from the Hungarian Defense Ministry. As part of the deal, Force Protection will deliver three of its Cougar mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.

The contract for Cougar MRAPs, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan to help protect soldiers from roadside bombs and other explosive threats, also includes provisions for spare parts and training. Officials said the vehicles are expected to be delivered by June 2009.

"We are extremely pleased to provide the battle-proven Cougar to the Hungarian Ministry of Defense," Michael Moody, Force Protection chief executive, said in a statement.

"Cougar's reputation for providing survivability to its occupants is certainly world-renowned. This award further demonstrates our capability to enter into commercial agreements with appropriate foreign governments."