Force Protection, Inc. to Participate in AUSA Winter Symposium.

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP - News), the leading manufacturer of blast-protected vehicles, will participate in the Association of the United States Army Winter Symposium and Exhibition, "Enabling a Joint and Expeditionary Army," at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, February 14-16, 2005.

"The AUSA Winter Symposium will be an important forum for us," said Force Protection Vice President for Sales Michael Aldrich. "It will provide the opportunity to demonstrate the cutting-edge technology incorporated in our vehicles, and how that technology enables them to save lives by withstanding improvised explosive devices and similar threats."

Force Protection will be featured as an exhibitor at the event, along with companies such as Boeing (NYSE:BA), Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) and General Dynamics Combat Systems (NYSE:GD).

"AUSA has stood in support of the men and women of the Army for decades," said Senior Vice President for Vehicle Operations Mark Edwards. "At Force Protection, our commitment is the same. Every feature of our vehicles is designed with a single purpose: to protect our troops from the threat of explosive devices. We are pleased that these vehicles will be on display at the symposium."

Ladson, S.C.-based Force Protection produces two classes of armored vehicles. The Buffalo has recently been approved by the Pentagon to be part of a newly devised hunter-killer team concept that will lead convoys against the threat of mines and IEDs. The Buffalo incorporates blast protection technology with automotive components made by such companies as Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT), Allison Transmission, a division of General Motors (NYSE:GM) and Mack Trucks, Inc., a division of Volvo Group (Nasdaq:VOLVY). More than 20 Buffalo vehicles are in active operations in Iraq.

The Cougar H series is a family of medium-size mine-protected vehicles that can be supplied in four-wheel or six-wheel models. The vehicles can be configured for a wide range of tasks including troop transport of up to 10 personnel, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), command and control, reconnaissance and lead convoy vehicle. Marine Commandant Michael W. Hagee recently inspected the Cougar in Iraq where it is currently in use with the United States Marines.

About Force Protection, Inc.

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.

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. Technical complications may arise that could prevent the prompt implementation of the strategic plan outlined above. The company cautions that these forward looking statements are further qualified by other 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). 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.