Lithuania Receives New Joint Light Tactical Vehicles
Lithuania has welcomed the arrival of 50 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) as part of a significant U.S. foreign military sale agreement established in 2019. This latest shipment marks the third installment to reach Vilnius under the project’s second phase. Earlier this year, in March 2024, Lithuania received 35 JLTVs, with an additional 150 vehicles scheduled for delivery five months later. The first phase of this endeavor concluded in January 2024, successfully delivering a total of 200 units to the Baltic nation.
Looking ahead, the Lithuanian Armed Forces are set to further enhance their fleet with an additional 65 JLTVs from the United States later this year. This upcoming delivery will help Lithuania achieve its ambitious target of acquiring 500 units through the foreign military sale program, reinforcing the nation’s defense capabilities in a rapidly changing security environment.
Understanding the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, designed by Oshkosh Defense, is engineered for both light transport and combat operations. Originally conceived to replace the U.S. military’s High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle, commonly known as the Humvee, the JLTV has since evolved through various upgrades to meet modern military needs. With a length of 21 feet (6 meters), the vehicle is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 5,100 pounds (2,313 kilograms) and can accommodate a crew of up to five personnel.
Under the hood, the JLTV is equipped with a powerful Allison six-speed automatic transmission paired with a 400-horsepower Gale Banks Engine, derived from the General Motors Duramax V8 engine. This combination allows the vehicle to reach a top speed of 70 miles per hour (113 kilometers per hour) and offers an operating range of 300 miles (483 kilometers). Furthermore, the JLTV can be customized with various armor standards and weapon systems, ranging from light to heavy caliber options, including machine guns, close combat systems, automatic grenade launchers, and anti-tank guided missiles, enhancing its versatility on the battlefield.
