Army modifies Force Protection MRAP deal

LADSON, S.C., April 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has modified a contract with Force Protection Inc. for the delivery of upgraded Cougar mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles.

South Carolina-based Force Protection was awarded the contract modification from the Marine Corps Systems Command. Under the $158 million deal, Force Protection will deliver its Cougar MRAPs upgraded with Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corp.'s TAK-4 independent-suspension kits.

Force Protection and Oshkosh partnered to integrate the Cougar MRAP with the independent-suspension system as part of an effort to better handle the difficult terrain troops are facing in Afghanistan.

"We are pleased to be able to deliver this meaningful upgrade for our armed forces," Michael Moody, Force Protection chief executive, said in a statement.

"With the incorporation of this independent suspension, we will demonstrate the Cougar can meet the operational needs of the war fighter in Afghanistan, which is home to some of the most challenging terrain anywhere on Earth."