Force Protection, Inc. to Unveil New Armored Vehicle at AUSA Winter Symposium.

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRCP), the leading manufacturer of blast-protected vehicles deployed with U.S. forces in Iraq, announced today that it will unveil its 6x6 Cougar troop transport vehicle at 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.

"Based on the successful deployment of the 4x4 Cougar Hardened Engineer Vehicle with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq, we are pleased to showcase the 6x6 Cougar personnel transport vehicle at this year's AUSA Winter Symposium," said Force Protection Vice President for Engineering, Robin Swain, Phd.

The 6x6 Cougar is specifically designed to transport up to 10 troops with equipment in combat areas with threats such as land mines and improvised explosive devices. The 4x4 Cougar model is currently being used as an Explosive Ordnance Detection (EOD) team transport vehicle by the U.S. Marines in Iraq.

"The Army has asked for this type of vehicle, which is critically needed for their urban fighters," said Force Protection Vice President for Sales Michael Aldrich. "These vehicles are saving lives, and we are very proud to provide this U.S.-made solution in support of our troops."

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

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 operation 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.