Force Protection Industries, Inc. Wins $3.8 Million Contract for Iraq-Bound Armored Vehicles; Manufacturer will supply Buffalo mine clearance vehicle to Marines for first time.

LADSON, S.C. -- Force Protection, Inc. (OTCBB:FRPT) today announced the initial sale of its Buffalo Mine Protected Clearance Vehicles (MPCV) to the U.S. Marine Corps under an urgent operational need request issued by the Marine Corps Systems Command (Quantico, Virginia). Under the terms of the contract, Force Protection will deliver four Buffalo vehicles, replacement parts and a service representative to coordinate maintenance efforts in active operations. The total value of the contract is approximately $3.8 million. It is expected to be filled by the end of 2005.

The contract represents the Marines' first purchase of the Buffalo MPCV, which was originally provided under contract to the U.S. Army. They will join more than 50 Buffalo vehicles currently being used in Afghanistan and Iraq.

"This award confirms once again that Force Protection's products are being requested, by name, by field commanders, and that they are needed now," said Force Protection Vice President Michael Aldrich, "We hear them, and we have promised them the first Buffalo before the end of September."

The Buffalo has been in active operations for more than two years, and has been used to clear thousands of suspected explosive devices from hundreds of miles of dangerous roads in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

"This order also signifies a broadening of our market for the Buffalo to now include the Army and Marine Corps," said Program Manager Damon Walsh. "As more land routes are assigned to individual units for the safe transport of Coalition personnel and supplies, more commanders are asking for the best solution - the one that works the first time - the Buffalo. If they see something suspicious, they can quickly interrogate it, mark, and neutralize the threat in advance of convoys or other assets."

"We're looking forward to seeing the Buffalo do for the Marines what it's already doing for the Army - enabling them to better accomplish their mission and come home," he added.

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 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.