The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) contract was awarded to Oshkosh Defense which will result in the replacement of the Humvee over the next couple of years. The JLTV program began in 2006 and has had companies competing for the contract for 9 years.
Oshkosh Defense - Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)
Some of the requirements that needed to be met included ease of maintenance, reliability, ability to transport, as well as good performance in all terrain.
The contract is said to be worth around $30 billion (£19 billion) and will see over 54,000 vehicles produced.
In a press release earlier this week, Oshkosh took the opportunity to explain why their vehicle is worthy of the task ahead: "Our JLTV has been extensively tested and is proven to provide the ballistic protection of a light tank, the underbody protection of an MRAP-class vehicle, and the off-road mobility of a Baja racer. The Oshkosh JLTV allows troops to travel over rugged terrain at speeds 70% faster than today's gold standard, which is our Oshkosh M-ATV. Looking to future battlefields, we know that our troops will face a myriad of threats. Soldiers and Marines can be assured that the highly capable Oshkosh JLTV will perform the mission."
The Humvee is not lost however, as it will take some time to replace current models.