New Mastiff 2 vehicles to be rolled out

The Mastiff 2 vehicles, which will be built by NP Aerospace, have improved axles and suspension to cope with the harsh terrain; better thermal imaging for the drivers; explosive attenuating seats - providing better protection to the soldier on impact; improved armour; and greater crew capacity.

While visiting the facility in Coventry, the Defence Secretary praised the company for its outstanding job in transforming basic Cougar 6 x 6 vehicles into the sophisticated Mastiffs, and in providing Osprey body armour plates and MK 6A helmets to our Armed Forces in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

“The Mastiff is already a hero in Iraq and Afghanistan. Today’s contract for Mastiff 2 will deliver a vehicle that is even better - improved thermal-imaging for the drivers, increased armour and specially designed seats that will give the soldiers that extra protection - it is the next generation of vehicles for our commanders on operations.

"NP Aerospace and its workforce are to be congratulated on the support they are providing to our Armed Forces - the equipment they deliver from body armour plates to helmets is saving lives on a daily basis."

NP Aerospace is a world-leader in the production of personal equipment and armoured vehicles designed to protect military personnel in combat environments. The firm also manufactures state-of-the-art full body armour suits worn by our bomb disposal operators, complete with integral air- conditioning that allows wearers to operate in high temperatures.

The Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced in December 2007 the intention to buy an additional 170 Mastiffs, which are now Mastiff 2. The procurement of over 150 Ridgback vehicles (announced in December 2007) represents a further spend of over £150million on protection for British forces.