BAE Systems delivers JLTV
BAE Systems, through its U.S. Combat Systems business, along with partners Navistar Defense and ArvinMeritor, delivered three right hand drive operation configured Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) prototypes in a ceremony today in West Point, Mississippi. Each of these prototypes will be sent to Australia for durability testing that mutually supports both US and Australia interests.
The BAE Systems, Navistar and ArvinMeritor team handed over a Category A General Purpose vehicle, a Category B Command and Control on the Move and a Category C Utility vehicle. The vehicles are designed to be highly compatible with the US variants, ensuring interoperability between forces, yet tailored specifically to meet the needs of the Australian military.
“Our team has taken a user-centric design approach that provides the foundation for a future family of vehicles that can be modified to meet the needs of our military as well as those of our global allies,” said Ann Hoholick, vice president and general manager of New Vehicles and Amphibious Systems for BAE Systems. “We look forward to continuing to improve and enhance our offerings as we receive feedback from our military customers.”
In January 2009, the U.S. and Australia entered into a Land Force Capability Modernization Project Arrangement for the Technology Demonstrator phase of the JLTV program, enabling tactical vehicle interoperability and integration between US future forces and Australian land forces.
“Australia’s participation in the JLTV program will help reduce overall program risk through the testing and evaluation of additional prototype vehicles,” said Mark McCoy, the US Army’s product manager for JLTV. “As our military prepares for future coalition operations, similarity of tactical vehicle solutions across allies will enhance global interoperability and reduce the maintenance and logistical burden.”
The JLTV prototype vehicles will undergo reliability and blast testing in Australia, as well as tropical environment testing.
“Lessons from recent conflicts highlight the importance of protected mobility in the modern battlefield,” said Australian Army Lt. Col. Robin Petersen, JLTV Cooperative Program Personnel and Australian JLTV Program Manager. “The requirements of the JLTV program closely align with our requirements; we face similar capability gaps and threats.”
Source: BAE Systems
More from Land Warfare
-
British Army defeats swarm with Thales radio frequency anti-drone system
Developed by a Thales UK-led industry consortium, the demonstrator has been designed to explore the potential of radiofrequency weapons for the UK Armed Forces and is being trialled by the British Army.
-
US approves $825 million sale of Stinger Block I missiles to Morocco
The 600-missiles will be used to expand the Moroccan armed forces’ short range air defence capabilities.
-
Hanwha Aerospace to jointly produce guided missiles in Poland
The joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group will see them locally produce CGR80 missiles for the Homar-K multiple rocket launch system, with the first batch produced by 2028.
-
BAE Systems takes another step towards restarting M777 howitzer production
The M777 155mm lightweight howitzer is in service with more than six countries and has been heavily used in Ukraine. The latest contract is part of an effort to restart the manufacture of M777 towed howitzers.