Force Protection Joins Forces With Elbit on TAPV

May 24 2011  David Pugliese’s Defence Watch

Press release from Force Protection Inc.:

LADSON, S.C.  – May 24, 2011 – Force Protection Industries, Inc., a FORCE PROTECTION, INC. (NASDAQ:FRPT) group company, today announced the addition of Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada as additional providers for the Canadian Forces requirement for the Tactical Armoured Patrol Vehicle (TAPV) project.  

Force Protection Industries, Inc. previously announced that it has been selected by the Canadian Government as one of the competitor companies qualified to provide up to 600 wheeled combat vehicles and related long term support services.  CAE was announced recently as Force Protection’s main Canadian partner with responsibility for providing the in-service support solution.  The Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) expects to award a contract to the final selected bidder by early 2012.

Randy Hutcherson, Chief Operating Officer of Force Protection, said, “We are pleased to add both Elbit Systems and Lockheed Martin Canada as part of our integrated vehicle system team for the Canadian Forces.  We chose both firms based on the unsurpassed quality of their specific products and services which will help make our vehicle system offering into what we believe will be the optimal solution for Canadian defense forces.” 

Elbit Systems Land and C4I DRWS was chosen based on its superior performance, reliability, and ease of integration.  This product will provide the best technical solution for the TAPV project while delivering tremendous Industrial and Regional Benefits for Canada.  The production of the DRWS will be in Nova Scotia and will create numerous high-tech, high-value jobs in that region.

Lockheed Martin Canada was chosen as the C4ISR integrator for the TAPV requirement based on its recognized capability in the development, production and support for integrated C4 systems. 

“We look forward to adding our C4ISR and systems integration capabilities to an outstanding team led by Force Protection,” said Tom Digan, president of Lockheed Martin Canada. “We have delivered complex systems to all branches of the Canadian Forces for more than 60 years and we look forward to working on the TAPV program.”

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, Ocelot and related variants, are designed specifically for reconnaissance and urban operations and to protect their occupants from landmines, hostile fire, and improvised explosive devices (commonly referred to as roadside bombs).  Complementing these efforts, the Company is designing, developing and marketing the JAMMA, a new vehicle platform that provides increased modularity, transportability, speed and mobility.  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 skilled field service representatives, and advanced driver and maintenance training programs.  For more information on Force Protection and its products and services, visit www.forceprotection.net. 

About Elbit Systems

Elbit Systems Ltd. is an international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company, which includes Elbit Systems and its subsidiaries, operates in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance ("C4ISR"), unmanned aircraft systems ("UAS"), advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, EW suites, airborne warning systems, ELINT systems, data links and military communications systems and radios. The Company also focuses on the upgrading of existing military platforms, developing new technologies for defense, homeland security and commercial aviation applications and providing a range of support services. For additional information, visit: http://www.elbitsystems.com