Navistar Defense to support Husky program

WARRENVILLE, Ill., April 7 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense has selected Navistar Defense to support the U.K. tactical-vehicle program with its mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.

U.S. company Navistar Defense has been awarded approximately $180 million by the British Defense Ministry for the delivery of 262 tactical wheeled vehicles along with service and spare parts.

The U.K. Tactical Support Vehicle program is part of an effort by British defense officials to solicit the defense-contractor community for a more mobile tactical vehicle to support operations in the rugged terrain of Afghanistan while maintaining a high level of protection for troops from improvised explosive devices and other threats.

Officials said the vehicles in the program, named Husky, will be expected to support patrol, ambulance and command vehicle operational requirements.

"Navistar leverages its existing assets to effectively aid allied forces in staying ahead of evolving threats," Archie Massicotte, Navistar Defense president, said in a statement.

"Our flexible MXT platform paired with Navistar's 100 years of manufacturing, engineering and sustainment expertise allows us to rapidly modify and deliver vehicles."