JLTV

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) originated from a 2006 requirement to address vulnerabilities identified during the Iraq War, where light utility fleets sustained losses from improvised explosive devices. The program aimed to develop a platform balancing the mobility of unarmored utility vehicles with the underbody blast protection of the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) class. The Oshkosh L-ATV was selected as the winning design in August 2015. The system entered service with the United States Army and Marine Corps in 2019. While Oshkosh produced the A1 variant, AM General was selected to manufacture the A2 variant in 2023. In April 2025, a U.S. Department of Defense memorandum directed the termination of procurement for the system.

The JLTV utilizes a modular armor configuration consisting of an integrated A-kit and a removable B-kit. Survivability features include the CORE 1080 crew protection system, which integrates energy-absorbing floors and seats with a specialized hull and fire-extinguishing systems. For mobility, the vehicle utilizes the TAK-4i independent suspension with variable adjustable ride-height. It is powered by a digitally controlled Gale Banks Engineering V8 turbodiesel engine and an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. The design is compatible with network connectivity for the Warfighter Information Network-Tactical and can be transported as an underslung load by CH-47 and CH-53E helicopters.

The platform is produced in several configurations, including the M1278 Heavy Guns Carrier, M1279 Utility, M1280 General Purpose, and M1281 Close Combat Weapons Carrier. Armament is mission-dependent, with mounts available for light, medium, and heavy machine guns, automatic grenade launchers, or anti-tank guided missiles such as the TOW. Specialized adaptations include the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) for short-range air defense and the hybrid-electric eJLTV technology demonstrator. For logistics, the JLTV-T companion trailer was developed to match the mobility of the prime mover.

The JLTV has been produced in large numbers and is operated by the United States Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy. It has been widely exported, with operators including Belgium, Brazil, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, and Slovenia. The vehicle has seen combat use with the Israel Defense Forces during the Gaza war. Future procurement plans and orders have been established for the Netherlands, Slovakia, Canada, Mongolia, and Uruguay. Evaluation programs have also been conducted by Australia, Japan, and the United Kingdom.

🇧🇪 Belgium • 🇧🇷 Brazil • 🇮🇱 Israel • 🇱🇹 Lithuania • 🇲🇰 North Macedonia • 🇲🇪 Montenegro • 🇷🇴 Romania • 🇸🇮 Slovenia • 🇺🇸 United States