Marine Corps modifies suspension kits deal

LADSON, S.C., July 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Marine Corps has modified a contract with Force Protection Inc. for the company to provide additional independent suspension upgrade kits.

U.S. company Force Protection announced the Marine Corps Systems Command has modified a deal originally awarded to the company in April.

Under the $56.3 million contract modification Force Protection will deliver its independent suspension upgrade kits for installation on approximately 545 of the Cougar mine resistant ambush protect vehicles.

"This additional independent suspension order further demonstrates the flexibility and sustainability of the Cougar," Michael Moody, Force Protection chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"The Cougar has performed extremely well in Iraq with an impressive operational readiness rate. This suspension upgrade will provide increased mobility for even more Cougars in the much more rugged terrain of Afghanistan."