Joint Light Tactical Vehicle

The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) Program is a multi-service initiative led by the Department of Defense (DoD) to replace the aging Up-Armored High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (UAHMMWV) fleet. For the Air Force, JLTV procurement is managed under Line Item 823210, with funding allocated through the Other Procurement, Air Force account. The Army serves as the lead service and operates the Joint Program Office (JPO), which coordinates JLTV acquisitions across the services. The primary goal of the JLTV program is to enhance force protection, payload capacity, mobility, fuel efficiency, and reliability for tactical vehicle operations. The program also aims to provide scalability to meet future mission requirements.

Under this line item, the Air Force plans to procure JLTVs and companion trailers, spanning three main vehicle variants and nine mission-specific configurations. The JLTV variants include the General Purpose (GP) model, Utility (UTL) model, and Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC) model, each tailored to specific operational needs. The GP JLTV supports a four-person crew and a payload capacity suitable for a range of commands such as Air Combat Command (ACC), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Air Mobility Command (AMC), Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), and US Air Forces Europe (USAFE). The UTL JLTV is designed for cargo delivery or shelter carrier missions, with a two-person crew and a higher payload, supporting similar commands. The HGC JLTV accommodates a four-person crew plus a gunner, equipped for crew-served weapons and advanced protection systems, and is used by commands including Air Education & Training Command (AETC), Air Forces Central (AFCENT), Air Force Global Strike Command (AFGSC), AMC, PACAF, USAFE, and the United States Space Force (USSF).

The JLTV Trailer is an integral part of the program, designed to match the mobility characteristics of the JLTV and capable of safely transporting substantial payloads. This trailer replaces legacy HMMWV trailers and supports a wide range of Air Force users, including AETC, AFCENT, AFGSC, AMC, PACAF, USAFE, and USSF. The procurement of trailers is planned alongside vehicle purchases to ensure operational flexibility and logistical support for deployed and home-station units.

The program also includes procurement of Contractor Furnished Equipment (CFE) Kits and Expansion Kits that are installed during vehicle production. CFE Kits provide integrated options such as armor, intercom systems, run-flat tires, combat bumpers, and mission expansion capabilities. Expansion Kits enable the installation of mission-specific equipment, including vehicular radio communications, IED jamming systems, driver vision enhancement technologies, and gunshot detection systems. These kits ensure that JLTVs can be rapidly configured to meet evolving operational requirements and threats.

Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) is another key component, consisting of overhead systems like the M1114 Turret Ring and Hatch, Objective Gunner's Protection Kit (OGPK), Improved Turret Drive System (ITDS), and Common Remotely Operated Weapon System (CROWS). These systems are primarily installed on HGC JLTV configurations to enhance crew survivability and lethality. The procurement and integration of GFE are coordinated with the JPO and contractors to ensure compatibility and mission readiness.

To support the fielding and sustainment of JLTVs, the program funds Integration and Field Service Representative (FSR) Support. OEM and contractor FSRs perform acceptance inspections, install mission support equipment, and verify the functionality of GFE upon delivery to operational units. Additionally, Work Directives are issued for studies and engineering tasks to address Air Force-specific requirements. This ensures that JLTVs remain compatible with emerging technologies and mission profiles, with directives managed by the Army JPO and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Budget justification for FY 2026 includes a request to procure JLTVs and trailers, based on requirements provided by the 441 Vehicle Support Chain Operations Squadron (VSCOS) and prioritized through the Air Force's Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) process. The procurement supports Active Duty, Air Force Reserve Center (AFRC), Air National Guard (ANG), Rapid Airfield Damage Repair (RADR), and Regional Base Cluster Prepositioning Kits (RBCP) for PACOM, among other initiatives. Unit costs are subject to annual fluctuations due to contract pricing, inflation, material costs, and supply chain conditions. The program also aligns with government efficiency initiatives and financial audit requirements, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness in the acquisition process.