View source for Cougar (MRAP)

{{Short description|Mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle, 2002}}
{{Distinguish|Mercury Cougar|Ford Cougar|AVGP Cougar}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Cougar H ([[Four-wheel drive|4×4]])
| image              = U.S.Marine Cougar H EOD.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Cougar in service with a US Marine unit in [[Iraq]]
| origin             = United States
| type               = [[Infantry mobility vehicle]] with [[MRAP]] capabilities
<!-- Type selection -->| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 
| used_by            = See [[Cougar (vehicle)#Operators|Operators]]
| wars               = [[War in Afghanistan (2001-2021)|War in Afghanistan]]<br />[[Iraq War]]<br /> [[Syrian Civil War]]<br />[[Second Libyan Civil War]]<br />[[Russo-Ukrainian War]]
* [[War in Donbas (2014–2022)|War in Donbas]]
* [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]]<ref>{{cite tweet|number=1125328753327050752|user=Mansourtalk|title=#LNA armored vehicles Southern #Tripoli: Palmaria 155 mm Self-Propelled Howitzer - @STREITGroupOFL Cougar APC - KAD…|date=6 May 2019}}</ref>
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = Technical Solutions South Africa
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Force Protection Inc|Force Protection, Inc.]]
| unit_cost          = $475,000
| production_date    = 2002
| number             = 
| variants           = See [[Cougar (vehicle)#Variants|Variants]]
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = Curb: 32,000 lb (14.5 [[tonne|t]])<br /> Gross max: 38,000 lb (17.2 t)<ref name="FProt_Coug4x4">[http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf Cougar 4x4 specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813020644/http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar4x4_spec.pdf |date=2007-08-13 }}, ForceProtection.net.</ref>
| length             = 19.41 ft (5.91 m)
| part_length        = 
| width              = 9.0 ft (2.74 m)
| height             = 8.67 ft (2.64 m)
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 2+4<ref name="FProt_Coug4x4" />
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour             = up to STANAG 4569 Level 3<ref>{{cite web|url=https://militaryvehiclesdata.com/specsheets/land-vehicles/wheeled-armored/4-wheel-armored-vehicles/cougar-mrap-4x4-family//|title=Force Protection Cougar 4x4 Family|access-date=2025-01-13}} </ref>
| primary_armament   = Optional [[remote weapon station]] ([[Common Remotely Operated Weapon System]] II)
| secondary_armament = Optional firing ports
| engine             = [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C-7 Diesel [[Straight-six engine|I6]]
| engine_power       = 330 HP (243 kW)
| transmission       = [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] 3500SP [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<ref name="USMC_coug">[http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/CIED/programs/cougar.asp USMC Cougar/JERRV page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070504124056/http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/sites/CIED/programs/cougar.asp |date=2007-05-04 }}</ref>
| payload_capacity   = 6,000 lb (2.72 t)<ref name="FProt_Coug4x4" />
| fuel_capacity      = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| suspension         = [[Four-wheel drive|4×4]] wheeled
| clearance          = 15 in (410&nbsp;mm)
| vehicle_range      = 600 mi (966&nbsp;km)
| speed              = 65 mph (105&nbsp;km/h)
| guidance           = 
}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Cougar HE ([[Six-wheel drive|6×6]])
| image              = Mine resistant ambush protected vehicles.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Cougar HE
| origin             = United States<br />South Africa
| type               = [[Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected Vehicle]]
| is_vehicle         = yes
<!-- Service history -->| service            = 
| used_by            = [[United States Armed Forces]]<br />[[British Army]]
| wars               = [[Iraq War]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = Technical Solutions (South Africa)
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Force Protection Inc|Force Protection, Inc.]]
| unit_cost          = $644,000
| production_date    = 2002
| number             = 
| variants           = See [[Cougar (vehicle)#Variants|Variants]]
<!-- General specifications -->| weight             = Curb: 38,000 lb (17.2 [[tonne|t]])<br /> Gross max: 49,000 lb (22.2 t)<ref name="FProt_Coug6x6">[http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar6x6_spec.pdf Cougar 6x6 specifications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813020628/http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/specs/cougar6x6_spec.pdf |date=2007-08-13}}, ForceProtection.net.</ref> <br />Mastiff: 50,000 lb (22.7 t) maximum<ref name="deagel_Coug6x6">[http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Cougar-H-Series-6x6_a000070002.aspx Cougar H Series 6x6], deagel.com.</ref>
| length             = 7.08 m (23.25 ft)
| part_length        = 
| width              = 2.74 m (9.0 ft)
| height             = 2.64 m (8.67 ft)
| diameter           = 
| crew               = 2+8<ref name="USMC_coug" />
<!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->| armour             = all-round protection from [[.50 BMG]]<ref name="military-daily.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7FtIrI9W7A  |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/r7FtIrI9W7A |archive-date=2021-12-22 |url-status=live|title=Cougar Armoured Vehicle |publisher=YouTube |date=2010-05-18 |access-date=2021-03-09}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
| primary_armament   = Optional [[remote weapon station]] ([[Common Remotely Operated Weapon System]] II)
| secondary_armament = Optional firing ports
| engine             = [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]] C-7 Diesel [[Straight-six engine|I6]]
| engine_power       = 243 kW (330 hp)
| transmission       = [[Allison Transmission|Allison]] 3500SP [[automatic transmission|automatic]]
| payload_capacity   = 13,000 lb (5.90 t)<ref name="FProt_Coug6x6" />
| fuel_capacity      = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| suspension         = [[Six-wheel drive|6×6]] wheeled
| clearance          = 15 in (410&nbsp;mm)
| vehicle_range      = 600 miles (966&nbsp;km)
| speed              = 65 mph (105&nbsp;km/h)
| guidance           = 
}}

The '''Cougar''' is a [[MRAP|mine-resistant ambush-protected]] (MRAP) and [[infantry mobility vehicle]] structured to be resistant to [[Land mine|landmines]] and [[Improvised explosive device|improvised munitions]].

It is a family of armored vehicles produced by [[Force Protection Inc]], which manufactures ballistic and mine-protected vehicles. The vehicles are integrated by [[Spartan Motors]].<ref name="USMC_coug" /> These vehicles are protected against [[small arms]], [[land mine]]s and [[improvised explosive device]]s (IEDs) using a combination of design features and materials to protect both the crew and engine compartment against a wide range of attacks.<ref>[http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm Army Bullets] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060206230857/http://www.dix.army.mil/PAO/Post04/post111904/bullets.htm |date=2006-02-06}}</ref> A [[monocoque]] type, [[V-hull|V-shaped hull]] extends to the engine bay and serves to direct the blast away from under the vehicle. The dual air-conditioners help keep heavily dressed troops from overheating in temperatures over {{convert|100|F|C}} in Iraq.

==Development==
[[Force Protection Inc|Force Protection, Inc.]] was formed in 2002 when Sonic Jet purchased Technical Solutions Group, using the name Sonic Jet until 2004. Technical Solutions Group had been a defense company in the US that was involved in a range of products, including mine-resistant vehicles based on [[South Africa]]n designs. Two vehicles were sold to the US Army for evaluation which were used for ordnance clearance on Army ranges, and eight heavily protected vehicles, called Tempest, were sold to the [[British Army]] in 2001; these were fitted with an extra [[ceramic armor]]ed bellyplate for protection against Yugoslav [[TMRP-6]] "tank-killer" mines intended to attack the center of a vehicle.

In early 2004 the United States Marine Corps (USMC) visited Force Protection and, having seen a photo-montage of a new design of MRAP on a company brochure, asked if it could be produced and delivered within 6 months of an order for operations in [[Iraq]]. The photo was a still only concept image, but a senior person in the company offered to design, develop and build a new vehicle, that met the USMC requirement, within the deadline of 6 months. This was achieved in spite of limited funds and having to set up and train personnel in military-type projects. The package handed over to the USMC in October 2004 also included an initial set of spares and technical publications. Given that most defence companies quote at least ten years to develop a new vehicle, to have achieved this in some five and a half months was extraordinary.

The new design differed in many respects from the earlier South African vehicles, although in order to provide a degree of continuity for government contracting reasons, it retained the name "Cougar" given to two earlier GMC-powered vehicles sold to the US Army. The new Cougar had a single hull bottom-plate that ran the whole length of the vehicle, and this formed the basis of the protection of both the crew compartment and the engine-bay. It made for a much stiffer hull, with fewer welds, adding to the overall level of blast-protection. The structure of the hull around the commander and driver was considerably strengthened to add to the torsional stiffness of the vehicle, and the hull-sides were redesigned to provide additional space for troops or equipment. A full armor-upgrade pack was offered from the start, and the design specifically allowed for the addition of advanced armor systems such as the British [[Chobham armour|chobham]] type.

Growth potential was limited in many of the South African designs, and this was addressed from the outset in the new Cougar. Heavier axles and a more powerful engine and transmission were selected, all of which were already in use in the US and other forces that were thought to be likely users of the Cougar.  Logistic support was a major design requirement, and the components chosen were carefully assessed for the level of support that their respective original equipment manufacturers could provide.

Above all, the new design was developed under the auspices of first-world defence standards such as the [[United States Military Standard]] and the UK's Defstans, both of which also conformed with NATO [[Standardization agreement|STANAGs]]. This required, amongst other things, that a full product safety-case be developed and maintained from the outset, as well as appropriate training needs analysis and spares predictions. This meant that the new Cougar was capable of being fully operational in a  wide range of climatic conditions by fully-equipped and clothed NATO troops, based upon a 95-percentile NATO crewman.

The initial USMC requirement, based upon first meetings with Force Protection VPs, was written on half a page of [[Foolscap folio|foolscap]]. After further talks, the need for levels of mobility covering beach-operations resulted in a suggestion that the 4x4 design should be augmented by a 6x6 version, which would also have a larger payload and volume in the cargo area. It was this version that led to increased US Army interest, as they had a need for a vehicle to carry a large [[explosive ordnance disposal]] robot.  Subsequent meetings with the Army also led to changes in some of the major sub-systems to ensure even greater commonality with in-service equipment in order to ease training and support.

When the first Cougar was built, the USMC were asked if it might be retained for a month or two for testing. They replied that they had an urgent operational need for it in theater, but would take the advice of the VP handling the program about what to do. He said he felt that they should take the vehicle, to which the USMC program-lead replied "Good, we totally agree, for we know that you would never have designed a defective vehicle!" And so it left the factory, untested, and was in "action" a few days later in the Middle East.

The first 27 or so vehicles delivered to the USMC were called the Hardened Engineer Vehicle (HEV), a reference to the original intended Marine Corps operational role. This was changed to the 'Joint EOD Rapid Response Vehicle', or [[JERRV]], when the Army joined the program and took over the prime-contractorship. Later, and to satisfy the needs of politicians to show that they were committed to the war in Iraq, the program was again changed to MRAP, at which time other companies became involved in the design and supply of similar vehicles, most of which were based in part, or entirely, upon the Cougar.

Some 7,000 of these vehicles were fielded under the US military's MRAP and other national vehicle programs.<ref>[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/04/mrap-vehicle-order-1000-cougars-to-be-turned-loose/index.php MRAP Vehicle Order: 1,000 Cougars to be Turned Loose] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070612161514/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/04/mrap-vehicle-order-1000-cougars-to-be-turned-loose/index.php |date=2007-06-12 }}. defenseindustrydaily.com</ref> US Defense Secretary [[Robert Gates]] demanded that the vehicles be ordered in larger numbers after the Marines reported in 2004 that no troops had died in more than 300 IED attacks on Cougars.<ref name= USA_Today_truck>[https://www.usatoday.com/news/military/2007-08-01-force-protection-mraps_N.htm "The truck the Pentagon wants and the firm that makes it"]. ''USA Today'', 2 October 2007.</ref> Since then, Cougar vehicles have been hit by improvised explosive devices many times in Iraq with few fatalities. Britain chose the Cougar over the [[RG-31 Nyala]] for their "Mastiff" APV.<ref name="Mastiff1">[http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/uk-land-forces-order-86-mastiff-ppv-cougar-vehicles-updated-02529/ UK Land Forces Order ‘Mastiff PPV’ Cougar Vehicles (updated)]. defenseindustrydaily.com</ref>{{update inline|date=April 2014}}

Official data states that the Cougar is able to withstand a blast of at least 14&nbsp;kg (30.86&nbsp;lb) [[TNT]] under a wheel and 7&nbsp;kg (15.43&nbsp;lb) TNT under its belly.<ref name=ghazni />

==Variants==
The Cougar comes in two main configurations, a 4×4, and 6×6. It is designed for the transport and protection of troops and equipment, especially against mines or IEDs. The two main configurations come in specific variants.

;Cougar HEV (Hardened engineer vehicle): 4×4 and 6×6 vehicles ordered in 2004 by the USMC.
[[File:Iraqi MRAP.jpg|thumb|Badger Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle]]
;Badger [[Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle]] (ILAV)  : Based on the Cougar and manufactured by FPII and [[BAE Systems]] for the [[Iraqi Army]]. The ILAV is based on the Cougar, which can carry ten passengers (the six-wheel version can carry 16). The Cougar/ILAV vehicle uses a capsule design to protect the passengers and key vehicle components from [[Land mine|mines]] and [[Improvised Explosive Devices|roadside bombs]]. The larger Cougar costs about $730,000 each,{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} fully equipped. The Cougars have been very popular with American troops, and with Iraqis who have worked with them. 865 ILAVs were ordered by [[Iraq]] and 18 by [[Yemen]]. The ILAV gives the Iraqis the same degree of protection that most Coalition troops have.

;Cougar JERRV (Joint EOD rapid response vehicle): 4×4 and 6×6 variants for the US Army, USAF, and USMC. Approx. 200 ordered in 2005 and 2006, with another 200 ordered in late 2006 but now called MRAPs to take account of the new US military/political initiative to be seen to be responding to public concerns about casualties.{{Citation needed|date=May 2022}}

;Cougar ISS: Based on the Cougar 4×4, the ISS is fitted with an integrated independent suspension system that gives the vehicle increased cross-country mobility.<ref>[http://www.forceprotection.net/products/cougar_iss/ Cougar ISS] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100504053908/http://www.forceprotection.net/products/cougar_iss/ |date=2010-05-04}} ForceProtection.net</ref>

;Ridgback<!--There's not a single instance of the spelling "Ridgeback" on the British Army website--> PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle): British version of the Cougar 4x4 from FPII base vehicles with a British armor package and electronics, including installation of Enforcer remote weapon stations on some vehicles. In 2015, [[Salisbury]] coroner David Ridley raised several "points of concern" relating to the vehicle when recording a [[narrative verdict]] on the deaths of four soldiers who drowned in [[Helmand Province|Helmand]], [[Afghanistan]] in June 2010.<ref name="Private Eye Issue 1392 15 May 2015">{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|title=Lights Out |date=15 May 2015|work=[[Private Eye]] |location=London |page=30}}</ref>

;Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle): British version of the Cougar 6×6 which arrived in Afghanistan during December 2006, with FPII providing the base vehicle and NP Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the British armor package. Mastiff 2 is an improved version with a capacity of 2 + 8 which arrived in Afghanistan during June 2009. The Mastiff is armed with a 7.62&nbsp;mm [[General-purpose machine gun|GPMG]], 12.7&nbsp;mm [[heavy machine gun]] or 40&nbsp;mm [[Automatic grenade launcher|grenade machine gun]].

;Mastiff 2 'Protected Eyes': A version of the British Mastiff specially designed for the Talisman [[Improvised explosive device#Detection and disarmament|Counter-IED]] program. It is fitted with an [[Protector RWS|M151 Protector]] remote weapon station, mine plow, optical camera<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/01/7047/|title=A Comparison of UK Sensor Turrets|access-date= 2011-08-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713020228/http://www.thinkdefence.co.uk/2011/01/7047/|archive-date=2011-07-13|url-status=dead}}</ref> and a [[Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk]] micro air vehicle with screens in the back to display its camera feed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/flyingRobotPilotHelpsFindIedsInHelmand.htm|title='Flying Robot' pilot helps find IEDs in Helmand |publisher=UK Ministry of Defence}}</ref>

;Wolfhound (Tactical Support Vehicle): British modification of the Cougar 6×6, with FPII providing the base vehicle and NP Aerospace in the UK integrating electronics and the British armor package. The first Wolfhounds entered service in Afghanistan in October 2010. 130 have been ordered<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 October 2010 |title= British Wolfhound armoured vehicles go operational in Afghanistan  |url=http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18801/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317031025/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/18801/ |archive-date=2012-03-17 |access-date=2010-10-18 |publisher=Defence professionals}}</ref> for [[Artillery tractor|gun tractor]] and logistical roles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=8 April 2009 |title=Order placed for Wolfhound armoured vehicles |url=http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/OrderPlacedForWolfhoundArmouredVehicles.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120929201329/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/EquipmentAndLogistics/OrderPlacedForWolfhoundArmouredVehicles.htm |archive-date=29 September 2012 |access-date=2022-08-03 |website=[[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] |url-status=dead }}</ref>

;Timberwolf: Cougar variant that was being marketed by Malley Industries of [[Dieppe, New Brunswick]] Canada for the replacement of the RG-31 and [[General Motors LAV|LAV]] for the Canadian Forces; Malley Industries lost the contract to [[Textron]] TAPV.

;Fire Support Cougar: Cougar 4x4 chassis fitted with the complete turret and main gun assembly of the [[Panhard AML]]-90 armored car. In service with the [[Djiboutian Army]].<ref name= Jane1>{{cite web|url= http://www.janes.com/article/62072/military-parade-reveals-djibouti-s-new-cougar-mraps |title=Military parade reveals Djibouti's new Cougar MRAPs |work= Jane's Defence Weekly |date= 2016-07-08 |access-date= 2016-08-08 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160708135944/http://www.janes.com/article/62072/military-parade-reveals-djibouti-s-new-cougar-mraps |archive-date= 2016-07-08 }}</ref>

;Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO): Category I Cougar equipped with a [[U.S. Air Force]]-designed [[directed energy weapon]], interrogator arm, console, and other features to clear unexploded ordnance from airfields.<ref>[http://armytechnology.armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/2015/07/01/18-3/ Army, Air Force take bomb disposal to a new level with lasers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150706231438/http://armytechnology.armylive.dodlive.mil/index.php/2015/07/01/18-3/ |date=2015-07-06 }}, Army technology, DoD live, 1 July 2015</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Cougar MRAP Operators Map 25.08.2024.png|thumb|300x300px|Map of Cougar operators in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Azerbaijan}} – 4 used by peacekeeping forces{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
* {{flag|Burundi}} – Donated for Burundian forces in Somalia.<ref name="DW">{{cite web|url=http://www.defenceweb.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46098:burundi-getting-more-cougars&catid=50:Land&Itemid=105|title=Burundi getting more Cougars – defenceWeb|first=Guy|last=Martin|website=www.defenceweb.co.za|date=30 November 2016}}</ref>
* {{CMR}} – 6 in service<ref name=IISS>{{cite book |last=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]]|date=2021|title=The Military Balance|page=455|publisher=Taylor & Francis |isbn=9781032012278}}</ref>
* {{CAN}} for [[Canadian Forces]]  – 7 Cougar <ref name="Military Balance 2025">{{cite book |title=The Military Balance |date=2025 |publisher=[[International Institute for Strategic Studies]] |isbn=978-1-041-04967-8}}</ref>{{rp|31}}
* {{CRO}} – 4+ US Army donated several Cougar MRAPs to the [[Croatian Army]] ISAF contingent in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Hrvatska/tabid/66/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/97695/Default.aspx|title=SAD poslala Hrvatskoj vozila koja se prelako prevrću|date=3 May 2010}}</ref>
* {{flaglist|Denmark}} – 40 Cougar loaned, (not leased,) from US from early-2011. Used in Afghanistan by the army.<ref>[http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/ISAF/Pages/20MRAPkøretøjeroverdragestilstyrkeniAfghanistan.aspx] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219124101/http://forsvaret.dk/HOK/Nyt%20og%20Presse/ISAF/Pages/20MRAPk%C3%B8ret%C3%B8jeroverdragestilstyrkeniAfghanistan.aspx|date=2014-02-19}})</ref>
* {{DJI}} – 12 for [[Djiboutian Army]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/40216/djibouti-parades-new-armour|title=Djibouti parades new armour}}</ref> some modified to accept 90&nbsp;mm cannon and turrets adopted from [[Panhard AML]] armored cars.<ref name=Jane1 />
* {{GEO}} – 10 in service [[Georgian Land Forces]]. Also Georgian HQ units who are part of the ISAF are using the Cougar HEs in the Helmand Province.{{citation needed|date=April 2022}}
* {{HUN}} – 3+10 Cougar ordered<ref>[http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6651/ Hungarian Military Orders MRAPs] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018071844/http://www.defpro.com/news/details/6651 |date=2009-10-18 }}, defpro.com</ref>
* {{IRQ}} – [[Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle|Badger]] – 378 ordered in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htarm/articles/20070415.aspx|title=Armor: Cougars Cousin Badger Arrives in Baghdad|website=www.strategypage.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blackanthem.com/News/Allies_20/Badgers_headed_for_Baghdad5666.shtml |title=Badgers headed for Baghdad |publisher=Blackanthem.com |date= |access-date=2021-03-09}}</ref> another 865 ordered by 2011.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}
* {{ITA}} – Cougar HE used in Afghanistan by the Italian Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2008/02/25/Italian-Defense-awards-contract-for-MRAPs/UPI-67001203992177/|title=Italian Defense awards contract for MRAPs}}</ref>
* {{MAR}} – Unknown number of Cougar HE appeared in a Moroccan-Chinese movie shooting in Casablanca in which the Moroccan military vehicles were used.<ref>{{cite web|author=Julio Maíz Sanz, 2 de marzo de 2017 |url=http://www.defensa.com/frontend/defensa/marruecos-ha-dotado-vehiculos-protegidos-cougar-vn20832-vst164 |title=Marruecos se ha dotado de vehículos protegidos |publisher=Defensa.com |date=2017-03-02 |access-date=2021-03-09}}</ref>
* {{PAK}} – 20 Cougar JERRV ([[Buffalo (mine protected vehicle)|Buffalo]] [[Bomb disposal#EOD|Explosive Ordnance Disposal]] version) received from [[US]] under [[Foreign aid to Pakistan|Coalition Support Fund]] in 2010.<ref name="SIPRI">{{cite web|url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php|title=Trade Registers|website=armstrade.sipri.org|access-date=2013-04-22|archive-date=2009-08-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090805014045/http://armstrade.sipri.org/arms_trade/trade_register.php|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fpc.state.gov/documents/organization/196190.pdf|title=Major U.S. Arms Sales and Grants to Pakistan Since 2001}}</ref>
* {{POL}} – Lent Cougar H used by [[Task Force White Eagle|Polish contingent in Afghanistan]] from 2008, then 300 bought from US surplus, delivered from June 2022<ref name=ghazni /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_june_2022_global_security_army_industry/first_batch_of_70_gdls_cougar_mraps_delivered_to_poland.html|title=First batch of 70 GDLS Cougar MRAPs delivered to Poland |website=armyrecognition.com|date=22 June 2022}}</ref>
* {{ROM}} – 4 in service with the [[Romanian Land Forces]]. Used by [[Explosive ordnance disposal|EOD]] troops.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.roxanaciuhulescu.com/2016/12/13/mrap-soldatul-universal/|title=MRAP: Soldatul universal!|language=ro|website=roxanaciuhulescu.com|author=Roxana Ciuhulescu|date=13 December 2016}}</ref>
* {{SVN}} – 7 in [[Slovenian Armed Forces]] service, to be upgraded in 2017 and 2018.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bozinovski|first1=Igor|title=Slovenia upgrades MRAP-JERRV vehicles|url=http://www.janes.com/article/76554|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226172838/http://www.janes.com/article/76554/slovenia-upgrades-mrap-jerrv-vehicles|archive-date=26 December 2017|date=20 December 2017}}</ref> Used by EOD units.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Bozinovski|first1=Igor|title=Slovenia upgrades MRAP-JERRV vehicles|url=http://www.janes.com/article/76554|website=IHS Jane's 360|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20171226172838/http://www.janes.com/article/76554/slovenia-upgrades-mrap-jerrv-vehicles|archive-date=26 December 2017|date=20 December 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=KOV EOD – GDLS Jerry 6x6 Engineer variant |url=http://www.slovenskavojska.si/oborozitev-in-oprema/oklepne-enote/kov-eod-gdls-jerry-6x6-engineer-variant/ |website=www.slovenskavojska.si |language=sl |access-date=2022-04-07 |archive-date=2021-04-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210422060321/http://www.slovenskavojska.si/oborozitev-in-oprema/oklepne-enote/kov-eod-gdls-jerry-6x6-engineer-variant/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* {{flag|Uganda}} – Donated to Ugandan forces in Somalia.<ref name="DW" />
* {{flag|Ukraine}} – Operates 20 with half being on loan to the OSCE.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}} The UK donated an undisclosed number of Mastiffs following the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]] in April 2022.<ref name="ukrainemastiff">{{cite news |title=Boris Johnson announces more weapons for Ukraine |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-61038122 |access-date=8 April 2022 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=8 April 2022}}</ref>
* {{GBR}} – 400 Mastiffs, 125 Wolfhounds and 160 Ridgbacks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/31717/uk-firms-up-uor-to-core-vehicle-numbers|title=UK firms up UOR to core vehicle numbers|publisher=www.janes.com|date=16 December 2013|access-date=18 December 2013}}</ref>
* {{USA}}
**[[Blackwater USA]]<ref>[http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=21 In the News] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927095006/http://www.forceprotection.net/news/news_article.html?id=21 |date=2007-09-27 }}. Force Protection, Inc.</ref>
** [[US Army]]
** [[US Navy]]
** [[US Marine Corps]]
** [[US Air Force]]
**[[List of law enforcement agencies in Connecticut|New London Police Department]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theday.com/local-columns/20200203/new-london-acquires-war-ready-armored-vehicle|title=New London acquires war-ready armored vehicle|last=Collins|first=David|work=The Day of New London|access-date=4 February 2020}}</ref>
* {{flag|Uzbekistan}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2023/09/samarqand-steel-uzbekistans-fighting.html|title=Uzbekistan's Fighting Vehicles}}</ref>
* {{YEM}}<ref>{{cite web |last1=Mitzer |first1=Stijn |last2=Oliemans |first2=Joost |title=The Oryx Handbook of Pre-war Yemeni Fighting Vehicles |url=https://www.oryxspioenkop.com/2015/09/pre-war-yemeni-fighting-vehicles_20.html |website=Oryx |date=20 September 2015}}</ref>

==Operational history==
[[File:Mastiff fitted with Choker Mine Rollers MOD 45159063.jpg|thumb|British Mastiff with Choker mine rollers in 2012]]
[[File:Operacja Passage Afganistan.jpg|thumb|Polish Army Cougars in Afghanistan]]
The Cougar is used primarily by the [[United States Armed Forces]] and the British Army, as well as law enforcement agencies in the United States. In service with those countries, the Cougar is used in a variety of roles, including the HEV (Hardened Engineer Vehicle) and the Joint Explosive Ordnance Disposal Rapid Response Vehicles (JERRV) while in service with the US Marine Corps, [[US Navy]] [[Seabees]], and [[US Air Force]] [[Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers]].

Compared to the original Cougar vehicle, the British variant is fitted with large, vertical armor plates that cover the large vision blocks and weapon firing ports. This is in line with British Army doctrine concerning the role of the APC/MICV, specifically that it is to carry troops under protection to the objective and give firepower support when they have disembarked. The Mastiff is fitted with a turret sporting either a [[FN MAG|L7A2 General Purpose Machine Gun]], [[FN Minimi|L110A1 Light Machine Gun]], [[M2 Browning|L11A1 Heavy Machine Gun]] or [[Heckler & Koch GMG|L134A1 40&nbsp;mm Grenade Machine Gun]].<ref>[http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?position=6&archiveType=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=afghanistan%20or%20herrick&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B4818188E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED3AA9142E987F4A95CF18BFB5AC4B1863A681D139FA28621CEDF4BD8FAA30C1B015F27A5E5A12A5D94D992573364A4A0C81BCDE26736388F4AFBB1DD50773844334F3EB3FB685D1425581730560F8E94DE223BB8FE6435F7B Defence image database] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120206124636/http://www.defenceimagedatabase.mod.uk/fotoweb/Preview.fwx?position=6&archiveType=ImageFolder&sorting=ModifiedTimeAsc&search=afghanistan%20or%20herrick&fileId=82009AFCAB28BB7B4818188E6EE0F5842527F21A9EA60BCB068E1C97D7AA43F0BA877BF55CF600ED3AA9142E987F4A95CF18BFB5AC4B1863A681D139FA28621CEDF4BD8FAA30C1B015F27A5E5A12A5D94D992573364A4A0C81BCDE26736388F4AFBB1DD50773844334F3EB3FB685D1425581730560F8E94DE223BB8FE6435F7B |date=February 6, 2012 }}</ref> One aspect of the British Army's approach to APC/MICV units (which differs to that of the United States) is that the ability of the average soldier to fire accurately out the ports of a moving IFV has been questioned.{{citation needed|date=June 2023}} The large armor plates add side protection from RPGs or IED explosions.

The British Army has operated an earlier MPV named "Tempest MPV".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense-update.com/products/c/cougar.htm|title=Cougar Mine Protected Armored Patrol Vehicle|website=www.defense-update.com|access-date=2006-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017093658/http://www.defense-update.com/products/c/cougar.htm|archive-date=2006-10-17|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/equipment.aspx|title=Equipment|website=www.army.mod.uk}}</ref> As of November 2008, the British Army has ordered over 400 Cougar vehicles for deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan following a series of [[Urgent Operational Requirement]]s (UORs). Deliveries of the first 86 Mastiffs began in February 2007, and an order for 22 further vehicles was placed in March, bringing the total to 108. In October 2007, Gordon Brown announced a further 140 Mastiffs and 157 new Cougar 4x4 variants, named Ridgback were being ordered to protect troops from mines and roadside bombs.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7034010.stm |work=BBC News |title=UK Iraq troops to be cut to 2,500 |date=2007-10-08}}</ref>

Canada has deployed the Cougar since October 2007 in Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/article/250866|title=Canadians get new bomb protection|first=Martin |last=Ouellet|date=29 August 2007|work=Toronto Star}}</ref>

From November 2008, forty Cougar H were lent by the United States for the [[Task Force White Eagle|Polish contingent in Afghanistan]]. In Polish service they carried 7.62&nbsp;mm PK machine guns.<ref name=ghazni>Hołdanowicz, Grzegorz: ''Cougary w Ghazni'' in: "Raport – Wojsko Technika Obronność" Nr. 12/2008, p. 48–50 {{in lang|pl}}</ref>

On Jan 5, 2012 an Air Force EOD Team, Team Tripwire, three Airman, were killed by a remote detonated IED attack.

A British Mastiff suffered an IED attack in Afghanistan in April 2013 which caused three fatalities.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22363093 |work=BBC News |title=Afghanistan roadside bomb kills three British soldiers |date=2013-05-01}}</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:CougarEODaftermath.JPG|Cougar hit by a mine explosion, all crew survived, the vehicle was driven back to base on three wheels
File:Cougar Hit By IED.jpg|Cougar hit by {{convert|300-500|lb|abbr=on}} IED attack, all crew survived
File:FPCougar.jpg|A Cougar undergoing an explosives test
File:U.S. Marines assigned to Georgian Liaison Team 8, attached to the Georgian Land Forces 42nd Light Infantry Battalion unload weapons and gear after returning from a mounted patrol at Forward Operating Base Shir 130507-M-YH552-201.jpg|Cougar H
File:Day Patrol DVIDS68134.jpg|Iraqi Light Armored Vehicle and US Army Soldiers
File:A Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicle MOD 45149021.jpg|A British Mastiff Protected Patrol Vehicle in 2008
File:Mrap cougar he casablanca.jpg|A Cougar HE in Casablanca during the shooting of the Moroccan-Chinese movie ''[[Operation Red Sea]]''
File:UA marines with Mastiff 3.jpg|Modified Ukrainian Mastiff
File:UA marines with MG3 and Mastiff 2.jpg|alt=|[[Ukrainian Naval Infantry|Ukrainian marines]] in a Mastiff vehicle, [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine|2022]] 
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://www.army.mod.uk/equipment/23248.aspx "Mastiff"] British Army website
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061013150456/http://www.forceprotection.net/models/cougar/ Cougar series] Force Protection 
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Amerique_du_nord/Etats_Unis/vehicules_a_roues/cougar/Cougar_mine_protected_armoured_patrol_vehicle_united_states_army_description_identification_pictures.htm Cougar MRAP H 4x4 Technical data sheet and pictures] Army Recognition
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/Amerique_du_nord/Etats_Unis/vehicules_a_roues/Cougar_6x6/Cougar_HE_mine_protected_armoured_patrol_vehicle_united_states_army_description_identification_pictures.htm Cougar MRAP HE 6x6 Technical data sheet and pictures] Army Recognition
* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/cougar-hev.htm Cougar] GlobalSecurity.org
* [http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Cougar-H-Series-4x4_a000070001.aspx Cougar 4x4] and [http://www.deagel.com/Tactical-Vehicles/Cougar-H-Series-6x6_a000070002.aspx Cougar 6x6] deagel.com
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061017093658/http://www.defense-update.com/products/c/cougar.htm News about Cougar]  Defense-Update
* [http://armour.ws/cougar-ppv/ Cougar H/HE] Armour.ws
* [http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0026.html Mastiff Force Protection Vehicle] Armedforces.co.uk

{{MRAP vehicles}}
{{Modern IFV and APC}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Armored fighting vehicles of the United States]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers]]
[[Category:Mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles]]
[[Category:Armoured fighting vehicles of the post–Cold War period]]
[[Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 2000s]]
[[Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the post–Cold War period]]
[[Category:Wheeled armoured personnel carriers]]