The U.S. Secretary of State has approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Israel, involving the acquisition of additional modified M1148A1P2 Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV). This sale, valued at $583.1 million, includes not only the vehicles but also a wide range of related equipment and support services, underscoring the strategic partnership between the United States and Israel. The Israeli government has requested the purchase of additional M1148A1P2 FMTV Load Handling System (LHS) 8-ton cargo trucks. The comprehensive package includes armor B-kits, corrosion protection, special tools, and test equipment, as well as integration and test support. Additionally, spare and repair parts, software delivery and support, personnel training, technical documentation, and logistics support services are part of the deal. The principal contractor for this sale is Oshkosh Corporation, a U.S.-based defense contractor known for its expertise in manufacturing military vehicles.
The M1148A1P2 is a key variant within the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, a series of versatile military trucks designed to meet diverse mission requirements. Originally derived from the Austrian Steyr 12M18 truck, the FMTV has been extensively modified to fulfill U.S. Army standards, which include a minimum of 50 percent U.S. content. Since its introduction in 1996, the FMTV family has seen numerous upgrades and enhancements, reflecting the evolving needs of modern military operations. There were originally 17 FMTV variants—four variants in the nominal 2.5 U.S. ton payload class, designated Light Medium Tactical Vehicle (LMTV), and 13 variants with a nominal 5 U.S. ton payload rating, called Medium Tactical Vehicle (MTV). Since the first FMTVs were fielded in January 1996, the family has been expanded and the overall design enhanced considerably. The FMTV was originally manufactured by Stewart & Stevenson (1996–2006), then by Armor Holdings (2006–2007), next by BAE Systems Platforms & Services. Since 2011 it has been manufactured by Oshkosh Corporation.
The M1148A1P2 is a 6×6 truck equipped with an 8.8-ton capacity load handling system (LHS). This system allows for rapid loading and unloading of various types of cargo, including flatbeds and containers, with minimal effort from the crew. The vehicle’s design emphasizes efficiency and durability, making it an integral part of military logistics and supply chains. Over the years, the M1148 has undergone continuous upgrades, with the A1P2 standard representing the latest advancements. This variant can be fitted with FMTV armor packages, providing additional protection for the crew in combat zones. The truck’s maneuverability, smooth hydraulic operation, and rugged construction ensure that it can perform reliably under the most demanding conditions. The M1148A1P2 is engineered for superior battlefield performance, incorporating several key advancements. It features Long-Term Armor Strategy (LTAS)-compliant cab armor.
The vehicle also includes a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that allows real-time tire pressure adjustments, significantly improving its mobility across various terrains. Additionally, the M1148A1P2 is C-130 air transportable, facilitating rapid deployment in diverse environments. Its ergonomic cab design accommodates a three-person crew, with adjustable seating and steering for enhanced driver comfort during extended missions. Measuring 376 inches (9558 mm) in length and 96 inches (2438 mm) in width, with a towering height of 122 inches (3112 mm). It offers a substantial payload capacity of 17,640 lbs. (8001 kg) plus kits, complementing a towed load capacity of 27,117 lbs. (12,300 kg). Powered by a Caterpillar® C7 heavy-duty diesel engine, pairing with an Allison® MD 3700 SP automatic 7-speed transmission for smooth operation. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 55 mph (88 km/h) and covering a range of over 300 miles (483 km) on a 74-gallon (281 L) fuel tank. Its impressive mobility extends to a maximum grade of 60% and a side slope of 30%.
