LADSON, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Force Protection Australasia Pty Ltd., a Force Protection Inc. (NASDAQ:FRPT) group company, today announced the delivery of two variants of the Ocelot protected light mobility vehicle (PMV-L) to the Commonwealth of Australia for the next phase of evaluation as part of the Land 121 Phase 4 program. Force Protection has handed over one each of its utility and command variants at the Monegeetta Proving Grounds in Victoria.
Force Protection Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael Moody, said the delivery of the first vehicles to the Commonwealth for verification and validation is a significant step in the bidding process. “We’re very confident our design and manufacturing team have produced the most highly protected and agile vehicle of its size and weight available on today’s market. Every Ocelot has a v-shaped spine running the length of the vehicle, which protects the occupants and also its critical components from mine and blast threats.”
Mr. Moody continued: “On top of the v-spine is an integrated pod which can be configured for a variety of mission roles, such as the utility and command variants we have delivered today, plus a protected patrol variant and even a special weapons variant. One of the most attractive aspects of the vehicle, on top of its survivability levels which protect the crew and mission systems, is its unique modular construction which means that pods can easily be changed in theatre to suit the requirements of each mission.
“Local suppliers and South Australian Government representatives have been extremely positive about working with us to manufacture the Ocelot in Australia, and we know we can build a world class vehicle utilizing the best of Australian military and automotive manufacturing expertise and know-how.”
Mr. Moody further commented that Force Protection is also exhibiting a third Ocelot vehicle at next week’s Avalon 2011 Australian International Air Show, as part of the Landef exhibition.
“A vehicle mobility test track will be set up as part of Landef at the Avalon Airshow, and we’re looking forward to showing the defence industry and the public the excellent capabilities and agility of the Ocelot,” Mr. Moody concluded.
Force Protection is one of three companies selected for consideration to undertake the next phase of the Land 121 Phase 4 Manufactured and Supported in Australia (MSA) program, with the contract for the future production of up to 1300 vehicles valued at more than $A1 billion by the Australian Government. The Ocelot has already proven its worth when Force Protection was recently contracted by the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) to supply Ocelot for the MoD’s urgent operational requirement for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle program (LPPV).
In late 2010, Force Protection announced it had reached agreement with the South Australian Government to manufacture and support its Ocelot vehicle in Adelaide, if it is successful in securing the Land 121 Phase 4 production contract.
See Ocelot on display at the Avalon Arena mobility track at Avalon International Airshow, March 1-6, 2011, or visit Force Protection’s stand in Hall C.
About Force Protection, Inc.
Force Protection, Inc. is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of survivability solutions, including blast- and ballistic-protected wheeled vehicles currently deployed by the U.S. military and its allies to support armed forces and security personnel in conflict zones. The Company’s specialty vehicles, including the Buffalo, Cougar, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (“IEDs,” commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed, and mobility. The Company also develops, manufactures, tests, delivers and supports products and services aimed at further enhancing the survivability of users against additional threats. In addition, the Company provides long-term life cycle support services of its vehicles that involve development of technical data packages, supply of spares, field and depot maintenance activities, assignment of skilled field service representatives, and advanced on and off-road driver and maintenance training programs. For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net.
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains forward looking statements that are not historical facts, including statements about our beliefs and expectations. These statements are based on beliefs and assumptions of Force Protection’s management, and on information currently available to management. These forward looking statements include, among other things: the growth, demand and interest for Force Protection’s services and vehicles, including the Ocelot; expectations for future modernization and service-related contracts for the Ocelot; the benefits and suitability of the Ocelot and service-related contracts; expected work completion and delivery dates; the Company’s execution of its business strategy and strategic transformation, including its opportunities to grow the business; and, the Company’s expected financial and operating results, including its revenues, cash flow and gross margins, for future periods. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. A number of important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Examples of these factors include, but are not limited to, ability to effectively manage the risks in the Company’s business; the ability to develop new technologies and products and the acceptance of these technologies and products; and, the other risk factors and cautionary statements listed in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the risks set forth in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 and as updated in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010.