LONDON, June 18 (UPI) -- Britain's Ministry of Defense is expanding the number of Foxhound light tactical vehicles from General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection Europe.
Under a contract that has been finalized, General Dynamics will supply the Ministry of Defense with 100 additional blast-protected vehicles for a total of 300.
The original order was for 200 Foxhounds and their production started last year. Some of the vehicles are already deployed to Afghanistan, where British troops are part the International Security Assistance Force.
"This award allows us to continue to provide the life-saving blast protection provided by the Foxhound vehicle to U.K. troops on deployment, following in the long line of proven protection provided by our Mastiff, Ridgeback and Wolfhound vehicles," said David Hind, General Dynamics Land Systems - Force Protection Europe's managing director.
"Foxhound is the product of a successful partnership between General Dynamics and key suppliers such as Ricardo, Formaplex, QinetiQ and the Defense Support Group, which has delivered this life-saving technology in less than 24 months since contract award.
"We look forward to continuing the excellent relationship we have with the (U.K. Ministry of Defense) to deliver high-quality capabilities and services to meet their needs and the needs of soldiers."
The Foxhound is a 4x4 light tactical asset. If features integrated V-hull blast-protection technology with a modular demountable protected crew pod. The V-hull runs the length of the vehicle, providing mine and blast protection for the engine and driveline components packaged within its protective envelope.
