Secretary of State for Defence Des Browne has announced a £60m contract with NP Aerospace to deliver the Mastiff 2 next generation of Mastiff.

The NP Aerospace facility in Coventry has been developing the highly sophisticated Mastiff vehicles from basic 6×6 Cougar vehicles.

The new Mastiff 2 vehicles will have improved axles and suspension to cope with the harsh terrain, better thermal imaging for drivers, explosive attenuating seats to provide better protection on impact, improved armour and a greater crew capacity.

Defence Secretary, Des Browne said that the Mastiff is already a hero in Iraq.

“Today’s contract for Mastiff 2 will deliver a vehicle that is even better and will give soldiers that extra protection and save lives,” said Browne.

By Daniel Garrun.