WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress May 19 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Kingdom of 102 Mastiff/MRAP Cougar Category II 6X6 modified vehicles and associated equipment, parts, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $122 million.
The Government of the United Kingdom has requested a possible sale of 102 Mastiff/MRAP Cougar Category II 6X6 modified 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 $122 million.
The United Kingdom is a major political and economic power in NATO 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 safety of its deployed troops in support of overseas contingency operations. 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. The United Kingdom’s troops are deployed in Afghanistan, where United Kingdom and U.S. forces are currently utilizing Cougar-based MRAP vehicles. By acquiring these additional MRAP vehicles, the United Kingdom will be able to provide the same level of protection for its own forces as that provided by the United States for its forces. The United Kingdom will have no difficulty absorbing these vehicles into its Armed Forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
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 continued support of nine Field Service Representatives, currently providing in-theater maintenance support for the existing Mastiff vehicles until July 2010, will be extended until the UK can provide this support internally.
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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.
