Force Protection gets Buffalo modification

LADSON, S.C., July 29 (UPI) -- The U.S. Army has modified a contract with Force Protection Inc. for the delivery of its Buffalo mine protected clearance vehicles.

South Carolina-based MRAP vehicle developer Force Protection was awarded the contract modification from the Army Tank automotive and Armaments Command.

Under the approximately $52.8 million deal, Force Protection will deliver 48 of its Buffalo mine protected clearance vehicles, which are designed to support military route clearance operations in the Afghanistan and Iraq combat theaters.

"This order from TACOM is representative of the ongoing demand and requirements for the Buffalo as an integral component of the United States Army's route clearance companies for the long term," Michael Moody, Force Protection chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"The extension of our lease for the Buffalo manufacturing facility is an indication of our commitment to meeting the current and future requirements for Buffalo and its vital mission."

Officials say the contract modification is subject to definitization.