Pentagon orders 3,000 mine-resistant armored vehicles

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2007

WASHINGTON (AFP) — The Pentagon said Wednesday it has ordered more than 3,100 new mine-resistant armored vehicles worth some 2.6 billion dollars, with the aim of eventually owning a fleet of more than 15,000.

The order will be filled by Force Protection Industries, BAE Systems, Armor Holdings and BAE, and International Military and Government, a subsidary of Navistar International, the Defense Department said in a statement.

"The goal was 1,500 plus in theater by the end of the year, and there will be 1,500 plus in theater by the end of the year," said spokesman Geoff Morrell.

The new order for 3,126 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles will boost the total number purchased by the Pentagon for delivery by mid-2008 to almost 12,000.

Some...