Force Protection, Inc. Marks Major '06 Milestones, New Vehicle Production Record in December.

LADSON, S.C. -- Leading U.S. armored vehicle manufacturer Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRPT) continued to record substantial growth in contracts, vehicle deliveries, workforce, production capacity, and strategic partnerships during 2006, the company said today.

Force Protection's Buffalo and Cougar blast- and ballistic-protected vehicles marked more than three years in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past year. There are over 300 vehicles currently deployed, more than double the number at the beginning of 2006.

"It has been an important and remarkable year for the company," said CEO Gordon McGilton. "We continue to reap the rewards of restructuring efforts begun in 2003 to become a high-volume assembly-line manufacturer with the capacity to produce the world's best protected vehicles in the numbers needed."

"Built on the foundation of partnerships with other leading defense contractors such as General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems, and Armor Holdings, and the exponential expansion of our workforce and manufacturing infrastructure, Force Protection is positioned to meet the increasing demands for our blast protection technology as never before," said Chairman Frank Kavanaugh.

Force Protection's workforce has increased to more than 700, up from 300 in January 2005. The company delivered more than 50 vehicles in December 2006 alone, a 300% increase from December 2005.

"Our records show that we produced more vehicles last month than in all of 2003 and 2004 combined," added McGilton.

Total contract awards for the year have also multiplied, due in large part to a $214 million contract award from the Marine Corps Systems Command for approximately 280 Cougar Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRV) and Buffalo mine-protected clearance vehicles announced November 10, 2006.

Force Protection received a $180 million Foreign Military Sales contract from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command to manufacture 378 Iraqi Light Armored Vehicles (ILAVs). Force Protection is acting as subcontractor, with BAE Systems as prime contractor on the award announced June 5, 2006.

The company also marked expansion into the international defense market during 2006, with a $63 million dollar contract award from the British Ministry of Defense (MOD) for more than 85 specially designed Cougars, known by the British military as Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicles (Mastiff PPV). The first round of Mastiff PPVs were presented to the MOD ahead of schedule on November 16, 2006.

In December 2006, Force Protection and General Dynamics announced a joint venture company, Force Dynamics, which was formed to compete for the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle program managed by the U.S. Marine Corps. The MRAP competitive action for the first year's estimated requirement of 4,100 vehicles has an approximate value of $2 billion.

The company has continued to expand its integrated logistics support (ILS) department and anticipates that this will be a further source of revenue in 2007. ILS is responsible for order fulfillment on spare parts, contract services and maintenance and training, as well as the deployment of Force Protection field service representatives. ILS revenues are expected to exceed $42 million for 2006.

"By every measure, Force Protection is fulfilling its commitment to do all that is necessary to get these life-saving vehicles to those who need them most," noted McGilton. "From the military to the media to the federal government, our vehicles are recognized as a proven solution to the threat of improvised explosive devices, land mines, and road side bombs. No other vehicle lines match those of Force Protection for troop safety. It is because of their performance in the field that the company continues to experience such phenomenal growth."

"We look forward to continuing this vital work for our customers in 2007," said Kavanaugh. "We are also excited at the opportunities to expand our business model and provide the best possible return for our shareholders."

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 technologies are among the most advanced in the world. The vehicles are manufactured outside Charleston, S.C.

For more information on Force Protection and its vehicles, go to www.forceprotection.net.

This release contains forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements concerning our business, future plans and objectives and the performance of our products. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties ultimately may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by factors including, but not limited to, those set forth in the company's Form 10-KSB filing and other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (available at http://www.sec.gov) and the company's public statements. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any statements in this release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.