The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently conducted a comprehensive field test of the Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), known locally as “Para.” This new platform promises enhanced protection, comfort, advanced technology, and the capability to navigate diverse terrains, marking a significant improvement over the long-serving M113 armored personnel carrier. After over 50 years of service, the M113 is set to be replaced by the “Para,” a lightweight combat vehicle designed to transport soldiers efficiently and safely. In 2023, the Israeli Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has placed two orders for Oshkosh Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV) for the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). A total of 75 JLTVs were purchased via Foreign Military Sale (FMS) and dozens more were purchased via Direct Commercial Sale (DCS).
The base model of the “Para” includes four seats, with plans to expand seating capacity in progress. Its advanced suspension system automatically adjusts to the terrain, allowing for significant elevation adjustments to overcome almost any obstacle and maintaining stability even on extreme side slopes. It can traverse particularly challenging terrain, including sand, swamps, mountains, and rocks. The crew can monitor and control vehicle components and adapt to the terrain, whether in complex areas or on paved urban roads. This adaptability is revolutionary for the IDF’s armored combat vehicle fleet. The combination of powerful engines and specialized tires enables units to deploy quickly from base to the front line. If IDF wanted to move an APC or tank to the battlefield, options were limited to delays and using transporters, or damaging roads. The ‘Para’ changes that scenario.
The vehicle’s high weight capacity also allows for the integration of specialized systems and a wide array of weapons, including heavy machine guns, automatic cannons, and launchers. Beyond the comfort of air conditioning, the vehicle’s ‘terrain ironing’ capability is phenomenal—you can drive on mountainous or steep terrain and hardly feel the difference. Compared to the old APC, the ‘Para’ is much more comfortable. The first driving course for the “Para” will commence next week at the IDF’s Operational Mobility School, signaling the beginning of the vehicle’s operational deployment. The initial units, tested by the IDF’s Testing and Quality Assurance Unit (NASA), have met the stringent standards and are set to enter operational use within weeks, with wide deployment expected in the coming months.
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), known and marketed under Oshkosh development as the L-ATV (Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle), is a light utility/combat multi-role vehicle. The Oshkosh-developed JLTV was selected for acquisition under the US military’s Army-led Joint Light Tactical Vehicle program. In the very early stages of the program it was suggested that JLTV would replace the AM General High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) on a one-for-one basis. It is now suggested that the JLTV will partially replace the HMMWV. The JLTV was designed to deliver a level of protection comparable to th/at of heavier and less maneuverable Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) class designs, these having more protection from blast than up-armored HMMWVs which they were delivered to replace on deployed operations. 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.
