Israel’s Defense Ministry has confirmed the impending arrival of the first four Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from U.S.-based manufacturer Oshkosh Defense. This delivery marks a significant step in Israel’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military fleet and enhance its operational capabilities. The announcement, made on March 28, came after Major General (Ret.) Eyal Zamir, Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, visited the Ministry’s procurement delegation in New York. During his visit, Zamir conducted a comprehensive assessment of the procurement operation and reviewed the logistics arrangements for transporting the vehicles to Israel. Accompanied by Brigadier General (Ret.) Michel Ben Baruch, head of the procurement delegation, Zamir inspected the equipment acquired by the Ministry, with particular emphasis on the JLTVs manufactured by Oshkosh Defense.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Family of Vehicles (FoV) is a Joint Army and Marine Corps program that provides vehicles, along with companion trailers, capable of performing multiple mission roles while providing protected, sustained, and networked mobility for personnel and payloads across the full spectrum of military operations. Oshkosh was selected for production in August 2015. The award included a base contract and eight option years covering two years of LRIP and five years of FRP. The final request for proposal (RFP) for a competitive rebuy for the JLTV was issued in February 2022. In February 2023, AM General won a competition to manufacture the JLTV. Outside of the United States, a number of other countries have shown an interest in or have ordered the JLTV.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) are part of Israel’s broader strategy to replace its aging fleet of up-armored High-Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (Humvees) with more advanced, protective, and versatile alternatives. The Israeli Ministry of Defense had previously announced on December 1, 2023, that it had placed orders for two sets of JLTVs: one consisting of 75 vehicles through a foreign military sale and an undisclosed number through a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS). Although specifics regarding the commercial sale were not disclosed by Oshkosh Defense, it signifies a significant investment by Israel in bolstering its military capabilities. The JLTV represents a vital component of Israel’s defense modernization efforts.
Oshkosh Defense is the only manufacturer that can supply JLTVs through DCS, and will continue to support NATO, Allied, and Coalition Forces that want to modernize their militaries with the JLTV’s battlefield-proven payload, performance and protection for years to come. Oshkosh Defense is a global leader in the design, production and sustainment of best-in-class military vehicles, technology solutions and mobility systems. Oshkosh develops and applies emerging technologies that advance safety and mission success. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Oshkosh Corporation employs approximately 17,000 team members worldwide, all united behind a common purpose: to make a difference in people’s lives.
