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British Army’s Dilemma Sacrificing Industrial Autonomy for New Protected Mobility Vehicles.
On October 28, 2024, military analyst Nicholas Drummond highlighted a complex issue for the British Army on X: while the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) from Oshkosh is an attractive option, there are significant obstacles to its acquisition. Designed to meet the mobility and protection needs of U.S. forces, the JLTV offers a competitive cost of approximately $300,000 alongside advanced capabilities for challenging environments. Despite these advantages, the British Army is hesitant, as the American-made vehicle does not include local production or support, counter to the UK’s goal of industrial autonomy.
The JLTV's strong performance and cost-effectiveness are attractive, but the UK Ministry of Defence faces strategic challenges in prioritizing local production to uphold post-Brexit industrial autonomy (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Facing an urgent need to replace close to 2,000 protected vehicles under ten tons, a national alternative is increasingly crucial, and the Ministry of Defence’s PM Light program may present a suitable solution to fill this gap.
Developed by Oshkosh Defense, the JLTV is a robust and versatile all-terrain vehicle, intended as a successor to the Humvee. The L-ATV (Light Combat Tactical All-Terrain Vehicle) variant meets modern requirements for U.S. forces, offering advanced protection and all-terrain capabilities adaptable to various missions, such as troop transport, heavy weapons support, or reconnaissance. Technically, the JLTV incorporates a 397-horsepower V-8 diesel engine and an independent TAK-4i™ suspension, enabling it to overcome obstacles and reach a speed of 120 km/h with a range of 480 km. With modular armor and diverse armament options—including 7.62 or 12.7 mm machine guns, an Mk 19 grenade launcher, or a BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile—the JLTV provides reinforced protection against improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and can be adapted for various operational needs.
While the JLTV’s performance and affordability are appealing, acquiring it raises strategic challenges. The Ministry of Defence prioritizes local production, seeking to preserve the UK’s industrial autonomy, especially in a post-Brexit context. An agreement was signed with Oshkosh to test British subsystems on the JLTV, an initial step toward local integration. However, this project remains limited, without assurance of large-scale domestic production, prompting British decision-makers to consider other solutions.
Among the evaluated alternatives, the PM Light program addresses the need for a sub-10-ton protected vehicle designed and manufactured locally. This initiative could offer a platform tailored to British Army requirements while supporting the national defense industry. PM Light would combine protection and mobility in a local framework, ensuring long-term adaptability for operational needs and more effective maintenance support.
Recently, the Ejder Yalcin from Turkish manufacturer Nurol Makina—locally assembled as the Dragon—has also emerged as a viable alternative (Picture source: Army Recognition)
Additional international options are also under consideration to fill current fleet gaps. The Roshel Senator, a robust and modular Canadian vehicle, is one option, offering high protection and flexibility for integrating various weapon systems. Another potential choice, the Vamtac ST5 from Spanish company UROVESA, provides an economical solution, meeting STANAG 4569 protection standards and weighing approximately 8.5 tons. Recently, the Ejder Yalcin from Turkish manufacturer Nurol Makina—locally assembled as the Dragon—has also emerged as a viable alternative. This 18-ton armored vehicle, with a 375-horsepower Cummins engine, is designed to withstand IEDs and mines and is suited for high-intensity missions.
In parallel with these solutions, the British Land Mobility Programme (LMP) seeks to streamline the protected vehicle fleet, reducing the variety of models in service. This program, which includes light, medium, and utility vehicle categories, faces administrative and financial challenges, exacerbated by the Ministry of Defence’s ongoing strategic reviews and post-COVID budget constraints. Although discussions around the JLTV and LMP continue, lack of clarity around long-term funding and objectives has led to frustration within the British defense industry, which hopes for stronger commitments to stabilize investments.
While the JLTV remains an effective and cost-efficient option, the British Army is driven to explore local solutions to align with autonomy goals. The PM Light program, along with international options like the locally assembled Dragon, could address the urgent need for modernization, depending on priorities redefined by the next strategic defense review planned for 2025.