The Slovak government has officially ordered 160 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) from American military vehicle manufacturer Oshkosh Defense.
The order has an estimated value of $190 million.
The acquisition follows the May US State Department’s approval of a potential foreign military sale to Bratislava of up to 192 JLTVs in the heavy gun carrier variant.
Slovakia did not disclose why it only ordered 160 vehicles instead of the 192 it initially requested.
However, it called the procurement an “advantageous” undertaking to support its 4×4 multi-purpose combat vehicle program.
“These 4×4 vehicles are a platform with exceptional mobility and ballistic protection for lighter combat and support units,” Slovak Defense Minister Martin Sklenár said. “No vehicles currently in service with the Slovak Armed Forces provide such a combination of features.”
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2025.
Initial Request
According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), Slovakia wanted JLTVs equipped with M153 Common Remote Weapons Stations and a manned top gunner turret.
It also requested the tactical vehicles have state-of-the-art display and control panels for better situational awareness on the battlefield.
Additionally, the request included M2 quick change barrels, .50-caliber machine guns, MK19 40-millimeter grenade launchers, and M4A1 joint chemical agent detectors.
The initially approved sale was valued at $250 million.
The DSCA explained that the procurement will increase Slovakia’s mobility and enhance the protection of its ground units, both vital in addressing current and future threats.
Once delivered, the JLTVs will allow the central European nation to decommission its obsolete, Soviet-era vehicles.