Force Protection, Inc. Ships Additional Armored Vehicles to U.S. Army and U.S. Marines in Iraq

Business Wire, Dec 28, 2004

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP), the leading U.S. manufacturer of mine- and blast-protected vehicles for military and security personnel, will ship three additional Buffalo mine clearance vehicles to the U.S. Army in Iraq and two additional Cougar vehicles to the U.S. Marines today as it continues to increase its rate of production at its plant in Ladson, South Carolina.

"The most important objective we have at Force Protection is the safety of the passengers of our vehicles," said Force Protection CEO Gale Aguilar. "We have the cutting-edge technology, the manufacturing capacity and dedication to ensure that the Army and Marines continue to have the vehicles that will protect them against the threat of land mines and other explosive devices."

The need for armored vehicles has been recognized by the U.S. Army, which reported that it will spend more than $4 billion in the coming months to ship armored vehicles to Iraq to protect troops against insurgents.

"The demand for armored vehicles that can specifically withstand mine and ballistic blasts is rising dramatically," said Mark Edwards, Vice President for Manufacturing. "It is front page news, and we have made tremendous progress in the production of our vehicles to meet this need. As a company, we will continue to do everything necessary to meet this growing demand."

"Force Protection is demonstrating its ability to produce the right vehicles for our soldiers and marines at precisely the right time," said Michael Aldrich, Vice President for Sales. "In-country commanders have told us repeatedly that their greatest threat to successful missions in Iraq remains IEDs."

Force Protection manufactures two classes of armored vehicles. The Buffalo is a mine clearance vehicle that has recently been approved by the Pentagon to be part of a newly devised hunter-killer team concept that will lead convoys against the threat of 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 of up to ten Marines or Soldiers, 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.