Oshkosh, WI (WTAQ) – A Wisconsin-based manufacturer has won a major contract to build the military’s new combat vehicle that will replace the Humvee troop carriers.
The Department of Defense on Tuesday awarded the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) contract to Oshkosh Defense. The $6.7 billion contract is expected to support thousands of jobs.
Oshkosh Defense officials say the JLTV is scheduled to replace about 55,000 Humvees by 2040. Around 49,000 would be built for the Army with the rest going to the Marines.
The JLTV vehicle is designed to provide more protection against roadside bombs and mines than Humvees, without being as big as another military vehicle called the MRAP, or Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, which is also produced by Oshkosh.
Oshkosh Defense eliminated about 760 jobs last summer because of declining defense spending, but this contract could require the company to hire more workers.
