Oshkosh Defense [OSK] has received $346.4 million in orders from the Army to recapitalize vehicles in the Army and Army Reserves’ heavy tactical vehicle fleets.
The deals, announced Friday evening, include modernizing Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) and Palletized Load System (PLS) trucks, HEMTT PLS common bridge transporters and PLS trailers.
“Whether they’re hauling rocket launchers and missile defense systems, or transporting mission-critical equipment, the HEMTT and the PLS will continue to be an integral part of the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve heavy vehicle fleets for years to come,” Pat Williams, the company’s president of U.S. Army and Marine Corps Program, said in a statement. “As the military pivots its focus to near-peer adversaries, they can be confident that the FHTV fleet will continue to serve as a key enabler for combat missions.”
Oshkosh noted that recapitalizing the FHTV trucks includes outfitting them with new technology and safety upgrades aimed at returning vehicles to field operations and meeting life cycle cost advantages.
The Army’s latest round of ‘night court’ savings in its FY ‘21 budget request to shift funds from low priorities to modernization included reducing FHTV funding for the next fiscal year down to $7 million (Defense Daily, Feb. 11).
“If you look at the fleet densities right now, it’s a place where we can take a bit of risk conceptually. We’re going to wait a bit to replace trucks because we’re satisfying most of the heavy fleets,” John Daniels, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for plans, programs, and resources, said in February.