Force Protection, Inc. Continues Shipment of Armored Vehicles to U.S. Army and U.S. Marines in Iraq

Business Wire, Dec 21, 2004

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP - News), the leading U.S. manufacturer of mine- and blast-protected vehicles for military and security personnel, announced today the shipment of two additional Buffalo mine clearance vehicles to the U.S. Army in Iraq and one additional Cougar vehicle to the U.S. Marines. These shipments take place, as the rate of production continues to increase at Force Protection's plant in Ladson, South Carolina.

"Our primary objective at Force Protection is to meet the needs of those we serve," said Force Protection CEO Gale Aguilar. "The Army and Marines clearly are doing everything they can to provide ballistic protected vehicles to our troops, and Force Protection is dedicated to doing whatever is required to provide our cutting-edge technology to meet demand."

The U.S. Army recently reported that it will spend more than $4 billion in the coming months to ship armored vehicles to Iraq to protect troops against insurgents. "This provides a remarkable opportunity for Force Protection," said Aguilar. "It gives us the opportunity to amaze a few people with our technology, our capacity, and our motivation to support the troops. And that's what we're going to do."

"Warfare has changed," said Force Protection Vice President Michael Aldrich. "Land mines and IEDs are the most common threat our soldiers face, and they have had a devastating effect. Our vehicles are designed from ground up to counter this threat and save lives. Rather than being retrofitted like vehicles that are not designed to protect against blasts, ours use the most advanced technology in the world to provide our troops what they need for their safety."

Force Protection produces two types of armored vehicles. The Buffalo is a mine clearance vehicle that has recently been approved by the Pentagon to be part of two test "hunter/killer" teams of lead convoy vehicles designated to detect and remove mines and IEDs. The cutting-edge technology of the Buffalo employs steel wheels and disc rollers, enabling it to withstand mine blasts and ensuring that other vehicles can safely follow. More than 20 Buffalo vehicles will be in Iraq by the end of 2004. The Army recently ordered 15 more Buffalos for an estimated $11.8 million.

The Cougar H series is a family of medium-size mine-protected vehicles that can be supplied in four-wheel or six-wheel models. The vehicles can be configured for a wide range of tasks including troop transport, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), command and control, reconnaissance and lead convoy vehicle. Marine Commandant Michael W. Hagee recently inspected it in Iraq where it is being used by the Marines.

About Force Protection, Inc.

Force Protection, Inc. manufactures ballistic and mine protected vehicles through its wholly owned subsidiary. These specialty vehicles are protected against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection's mine and ballistic protection technology is among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C.

For more information, visit http://www.forceprotectioninc.com.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Technical complications may arise that could prevent the prompt implementation of the strategic plan outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov). The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.