FMS: United Kingdom Requests 170 MRAP Vehicles

Released on Monday, December 17, 2007

WASHINGTON --- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $147 million.

The Government of the United Kingdom has requested a possible sale of 170 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Category II vehicles, tools and test equipment, maintenance support, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, support equipment, spare and repair parts, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $147 million.

The United Kingdom is a major political and economic power in NATO and the Atlantic, and a key democratic partner of the U.S. in ensuring peace and stability in this region and around the world.

The United Kingdom requests these capabilities to provide for the defense of its deployed troops, regional security, and interoperability with the United States. This program will ensure the United Kingdom can effectively operate in hazardous areas in a safe, survivable vehicle, and enhance the United Kingdom's interoperability with U.S. forces. The United Kingdom is a staunch supporter of the U.S. in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the Global War on Terror.

The United Kingdom's troops are deployed in support of IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, where U.S. assets currently provide this proposed capability. By acquiring this capability, the United Kingdom will be able to provide the same level of protection for its own forces and those of the United States.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these vehicles into its armed forces.

The principal contractor will be: Force Protection Industries, Inc., of Ladson, South Carolina. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

The proposed sale requires the continued support of seven Field Service Representatives (FSR), currently providing in theater maintenance support for the existing Mastiff vehicles, for the additional vehicles for a period of one year.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.