Force Protection Awards Purchase Order for Mack Trucks

LADSON, S.C.--March 16, 2006--Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRPT) today announced it has awarded South Carolina-based Hughes Motors, Inc. a purchase order for the acquisition of 40 Mack trucks and spare parts. The award is worth an estimated $5 million.

"This acquisition will help us to continue production of the Buffalo Mine-Protected Clearance Vehicle (MPCV)," said Force Protection Program Manager Damon Walsh. "The equipment will also enable us to continue to support Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom requirements for spare parts."

The Buffalo is being used by military engineers to clear thousands of suspected explosive devices in Iraq, Afghanistan and other global hot spots. It has been deployed in route clearance operations since 2003.

"Force Protection's vehicles keep our troops safe," said Hughes Motors Vice President Wayne Geiger. "We're pleased to supply the standard equipment on which the Buffalo MPCV is based. It is important to America and our allies to continue production of this vital technology."

"Today's order will ensure the uninterrupted supply of critical components to Force Protection," said Walsh. "In particular, it will allow us to satisfy a recent U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command contract for 41 Buffalo MPCVs and associated supplies."

Force Protection is the nation's leading center for research to counter improvised explosive devices and the development of blast protection technology. While the company does not publish specifics about deployment of its vehicles, more than 100 vehicles have been delivered to the U.S. government since 2003.

About Force Protection

Force Protection, Inc. manufactures ballistic- and mine-protected vehicles through its wholly owned subsidiary. These specialty vehicles are protected against landmines, hostile fire, and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs, commonly referred to as roadside bombs). Force Protection's mine and ballistic protection technology is among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C.

For more information, visit http://www.forceprotectioninc.com.