More Mastiff vehicles for Iraq and Afghanistan
9 Oct 07
140 additional Mastiff vehicles are to be bought by the MOD to enhance the mobility and protection afforded to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gordon Brown announced yesterday, Monday 8 October 2007.
The Mastiff armoured vehicle in action in Afghanistan
[Picture: Andrew Linnett]
The MOD intends to finalise the deal for this additional number of battle-proven and highly popular vehicles in the next few weeks.
Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne said:
"Mastiff has proved its value on operations offering high levels of protection against mines and roadside bombs. Today I am pleased to announce our intention to purchase 140 extra Mastiffs.
"It's my job to make sure we are delivering the best equipment we can for our Armed Forces. The extra Mastiffs will give us a real increase in capability for our troops."
Mastiff is the UK variant of US Force Protection Inc's Cougar vehicle. NP Aerospace in Coventry integrate and uparmour the Cougars to create the finished Mastiff vehicle. Discussions are currently underway with the US Government to agree the export of the extra vehicles from Force Protection Inc.
Mastiff is just one of a whole range of protected vehicles being used on operations including Challenger 2, Viking, Bulldog, Warrior, Vector and Snatch. The first Mastiff vehicles arrived in Iraq in December 2006.
These wheeled patrol vehicles have a less intimidating profile than tracked vehicles and give commanders on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan more options to deal with the threats they are facing. They have BOWMAN radios and electronic countermeasures, and are fitted with additional armour beyond the standard level to ensure they have the best possible protection.