US DOD approves $125 mln armored truck sale to Britain

WASHINGTON, April 9 (Reuters) - The U.S. Defense Department on Wednesday said it had approved the sale to Britain of 157 armored trucks built by Force Protection Inc (FRPT.O), a deal valued at $125 million if all options are exercised.

The Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which handles foreign arms sales, said it notified Congress about the proposed sale on Tuesday. Lawmakers now have 30 days to block the sale although such action is rare.

DSCA said the British goverment had requested the sale of 157 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Cougar vehicles built by Force Protection for use by British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, where U.S. troops already use such vehicles.

"This program will ensure the United Kingdom can effectively operate in hazardous areas in a safe, survivable vehicle, and enhance the United Kingdom's interoperability with U.S. forces," the agency said.

MRAPs are specially designed armored vehicles that protect soldiers from roadside bombs, small arms fire and other explosive threats. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal-Esa; editing by Carol Bishopric)