New Vehicles Go Through Their Paces in Iraq

, Defence Minister Lord Drayson visited Basra yesterday. He paid tribute to the work of UK Forces based there to help the Iraqis build their ability to protect their own society. 
 
During his visit, he was shown the second type of new armoured vehicle delivered to the front line – the MASTIFF. In under six months these 22 ton vehicles were bought, upgraded with specialist equipment and delivered to Iraq. They arrived in December 2006. Following training in Iraq these vehicles have recently started to be used on patrol. 
 
Following the demonstration of this new capability for British Forces, Lord Drayson said: 
 
“We are rightly proud that we have the best Armed Forces in the world. Their hard work and professionalism in the most difficult circumstances deserves our respect and support. I would like to thank all the men and women serving in Iraq for the enormous contribution they are making to build a stable country. 
 
“The situation in Iraq is changing rapidly, and it is important that we keep pace with this and continue to provide our Forces with the support and equipment they need. I was therefore delighted to see the new MASTIFF vehicles and hear positive feedback from the troops who are using them on operations. 
 
“The MoD procurement team worked tirelessly to get these vehicles built, adapted and out to theatre in record time. I also pay tribute to this achievement.” 
 
Maj Dan Bradbury (from Reading, Berks) of 1st Yorkshire Regiment, the Company Commander for the MASTIFF, said: 
 
“The soldiers love it. It's a real investment in their protection.” MASTIFF driver Pte Ciaran Castles (20yrs from Redhill, Surrey) of the Royal Logistics Corps, said: 
 
“All round it's a good bit of kit. It's enjoyable to go out there because you feel more safe and you know if it comes down to it, you've got that extra armour to protect you.” 
 
Lord Drayson added 
 
“As Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, a visit like today's, to hear directly from troops about the challenges they face and the support we deliver, is invaluable. Today's visit will inform the decisions I have to make to ensure we deliver the tools our troops need to do their demanding jobs.”  
 
Background Information
1. MASTIFF is the newest delivery in a range of protected patrol vehicles being used in Iraq. It is a heavily armoured, wheeled vehicle suitable for road patrols and convoys. 
 
2. MASTIFF is a 6×6 wheel-drive patrol vehicle from Force Protection Inc. It carries 6 people plus 2 crew, has a max speed of 55mph, and can be armed with a machine gun, 50mm canon or 40mm automatic grenade launcher. 
 
3. Bulldog vehicles have been in theatre since November 2006 and have been regularly used on patrols round Basra. 
 
4. Bulldog is a tracked armoured vehicle, weighing 18 tons. It has a max speed of 50mph, carries 7 people with a crew of 2, and is armed with 7.62 machine gun and general purpose machine gun.