May 26, 2010
Force Protection Europe has welcomed the announcement by the Australian Government that it had been selected to compete in the Land 121 Phase 4 Project for the Protected Mobility Vehicle – Light (PMV-L) prototype.
Australian Minister for Defence Materiel and Science, the Hon Greg Combet, today announced Force Protection Europe was one of three companies selected to undertake the next phase of the Land 121 Phase 4 program.
The announcement also confirms that the Australian Government will pursue the ‘Manufactured & Supported in Australia’ (MSA) approach in parallel with the US Defense’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program.
Ocelot has undergone significant development by Force Protection Europe and leading independent technology provider Ricardo to provide high levels of survivability together with exceptional cross country mobility, flexibility and value for money.
Force Protection Europe recently has been invited by the UK Ministry of Defence to tender for the Light Protected Patrol Vehicle Program – Demonstration, Production and Support Phases.
It also has been awarded a contract by the UK MoD for the supply of two Ocelot light protected patrol vehicles for testing.
Ocelot’s capabilities have already been proven by a sustained program of blast, ballistic, automotive and manoeuvrability tests conducted since 2009.
Ocelot can be maintained and repaired quickly in the field to ensure maximum availability, while its unique modular design enables the vehicle to be reconfigured in theatre within two hours to meet a variety of different roles, such as patrol, fire support and protected logistics.
Force Protection Chairman and CEO Michael Moody said: “This is great news for Force Protection Europe and great news for local manufacturing in Australia.
“Last year we commenced discussions with potential local defence industry suppliers to support the manufacture and support of the Ocelot vehicle in Australia.
“It is already quite evident that the combination of Ocelot’s design and development and Australian manufacturing expertise can result in the production of a world-class vehicle.
“Force Protection Europe continues to test and refine the Ocelot vehicle, taking account of the specific operational requirements for the Australian Defence Force.”
Watch a video of the Ocelot in action on the Force Protection website.
For further information: Contact Mark Williams at Hughes PR on 0401 147 558
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 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). 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 highly-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.
