Iraq orders counter-mine, counter-IED vehicles

CHARLESTON, S.C., Feb. 24 (UPI) -- Upgraded Husky vehicles for clearance of mines and improvised explosive devices have been ordered from U.S. companies by the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.

Critical Solutions International and its partner DCD Protected Mobility, the original manufacturer of the vehicle, said the order for Husky 2G vehicles is worth $73.5 million.

"The Iraqi government has determined that the Husky 2G is essential to defeating their IED and mine threats and represents a significant investment in saving lives and enhancing the capability of the Iraqi military," said Patrick Callahan, chief executive officer of CSI. "We are honored to have been awarded this contract and are looking forward to working with the Iraqi Ministry of Defense to fully support this program and any future requirements."

The Husky 2G is the two-man variant of the clearance vehicle. It is equipped with the FASCAN interrogation arm used to probe suspected mines and IEDs. It has more power than the one-person variant and is able to accept future integration of additional sensors and enhancements such as the NIITEK Ground Penetrating Radar.

The updated vehicle is also equipped with a 360-degree situational awareness camera system and lightweight protection from rocket-propelled grenades from QinetiQ North America.

CSI is a provider and service supporter of blast-protected vehicles with land mine, IED and unexploded ordinance detection capabilities.