The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on March 14 announced that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Romania of ninety-five (95) M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $104.0 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.
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M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier - Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)
The Government of Romania has requested to buy an additional ninety-five (95) Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). This amendment will push the current case above the MDE and total case value notification thresholds and thus requires notification of the entire case. The original FMS case, valued at $43.73 million, included thirty-four (34) Heavy Gun Carriers JLTVs. Therefore, this notification is for a total of one hundred twenty-nine (129) M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carriers Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
Also included are VRC-104 radio kits; VRC-114 radio kits; baseline integration kits; basic issue items; Defense Advanced GPS Receivers (DAGRs); DAGR integration kits; network switch ports; exportable power kits; silent watch energy storages; power expansion kits; RF7800i intercom kits; combat bumper kits; winch kits; flat tow kits; run flat kits; spare tire kits; commander supply display units; improved turret drive systems; M1114 turret ring hatches; 2-year contractor spare parts package; technical assistance; total package fielding; technical publications/manuals; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated cost is $104.0 million.
The principal contractors will be Oshkosh Corporation, Oshkosh, WI; and Oshkosh Defense, LLC, Oshkosh, WI. Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Romania.
The Oshkosh Defense M1278A1 Heavy Gun Carrier (HGC) is a variant of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) developed by Oshkosh Defense. The JLTV program was initiated by the US Department of Defense to replace the aging Humvee fleet with a more capable and modern vehicle. The HGC variant of the JLTV was designed to provide enhanced firepower and mobility for the US Army.
The M1278A1 HGC is equipped with a fully-integrated weapon system that includes a .50 caliber M2 machine gun or a 40mm Mk 19 automatic grenade launcher mounted on a Common Remote Operating Weapon System (CROWS) platform. The vehicle can carry up to 1,000 rounds of ammunition and has a crew of two, a driver and a gunner.
The HGC variant of the JLTV has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 22,300 pounds and is powered by a 6.6L V8 turbocharged diesel engine that delivers 350 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle has a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour and can travel up to 300 miles on a single tank of fuel. Its unrivaled TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system provides unimpeded mobility across the most treacherous terrain.
The M1278A1 HGC has been fielded by the US Army and is used primarily by infantry and cavalry units. The vehicle provides enhanced mobility and firepower to soldiers in combat, and its advanced features and capabilities make it a valuable asset on the battlefield.
Variants of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (Picture source: Oshkosh Defense)
Defense News March 2023
