Oshkosh Defense awarded $6.7 billion contract to build new combat vehicle for U.S. Army

OSHKOSH -- Wisconsin-based Oshkosh Corp. has won a major contract to build a new combat vehicle to replace a large share of the military's Humvee troop carriers.

The Department of Defense on Tuesday awarded the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle contract to Oshkosh Defense. The $6.7 billion contract is expected to support thousands of jobs.

The JLTV would replace about 55,000 Humvees by 2040. Around 49,000 would be built for the Army with the rest going to the Marines. It's designed to provide more protection against roadside bombs and mines than Humvees without being as big as another military vehicle produced by Oshkosh, the Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle, or MRAP.

Winning the contract is a boost for Oshkosh Defense, which eliminated about 760 jobs last summer because of declining defense spending.

“Oshkosh Defense has long-provided our men and women in uniform with the safest and highest quality vehicles as they fight on an ever-evolving battlefield. I am proud of everyone at Oshkosh Defense for putting together this winning bid that will ensure our troops continue to operate Made in Wisconsin equipment,” said Senator Tammy Baldwin.

“At Oshkosh, we have been building tactical vehicles right here in Wisconsin for the Department of Defense for 90 years. Our employees know that our Warfighters’ lives may one day depend on Oshkosh vehicles to get them to the fight, complete the mission, and get them home safely. Winning the JLTV production contract is an enormous responsibility that we are honored to accept,” said John M. Urias, U.S. Army Major General (Retired), Oshkosh Corporation Executive Vice President and President of Oshkosh Defense.