The recent Belgian National Day parade held in the heart of Brussels marked a significant milestone for the Belgian Land Component as it showcased the debut of its latest military equipment: the Oshkosh Defense Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV). This event highlighted the ongoing efforts to modernize the Belgian Armed Foces capabilities, with the JLTVs set to play a crucial role in future operations. On September 11 2020, the Belgian Council of Ministers approved the purchase of 322 Oshkosh JLTVs for the Belgian Land Component. These vehicles, designated as CLV (Commando en Liaison Voertuigen, or “Command and Liaison Vehicle”) in Belgian Army service, are procured from the U.S. military vehicle manufacturer Oshkosh Defense. The acquisition contract, valued at 135 million euros, includes a multi-year technical assistance agreement.
The delivery of the first CLVs is anticipated to begin in 2023, replacing the Army’s aging Iveco Lynx Light Multirole Vehicles (LMVs), which have been in service since 2007. The JLTVs are designed to enhance command and liaison missions while providing superior protection against mines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). A notable feature of these vehicles is the integration of the FN DeFNder Light 7.62 Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) from FN Herstal on 135 units. This advanced system allows for optimized remote firing capability around the clock, keeping the operator fully protected within the vehicle’s armor. The FN DeFNder Light is compatible with all FN Herstal machine guns up to 7.62mm caliber and offers extreme elevation and depression angles for diverse operational scenarios.
Oshkosh Defense has conducted rigorous mobility tests at the Belgian Land Component’s camp in Marche-en-Famenne to demonstrate the performance capabilities of the JLTVs. These tests are part of the preparation for equipping the Components Earth and Medical units, starting in March 2023. In Belgium, the JLTV CLVs will be named “Falcon” and will be adapted to meet Belgian needs and European legislation standards. The introduction of the Oshkosh Defense JLTVs, with their enhanced protection and advanced weaponry, represents a significant leap forward in the modernization of the Belgian Land Component. This acquisition underscores Belgium’s commitment to equipping its military with cutting-edge technology to meet contemporary security challenges.
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. 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.
