Oshkosh showcases JLTV at Special Ops exhibition

AMMAN, Jordan, May 10 (UPI) -- The Joint Light Tactical Vehicle manufactured by Oshkosh Defense is on display this week at the Special Operations Forces Exhibition in Amman, Jordan.

The JLTV will replace a big portion of aging uparmored Humvees, Bill Mooney, regional vice president of Middle East and North Africa for Oshkosh Defense, said in a release. "Our vehicle will give soldiers the next-generation light tactical vehicle with greater protection, transportability, and off-road mobility," Mooney said.

The JLTV provides an improved ride quality for troops while maintaining MRAP levels of protection. It can also be transported internally in aircraft or externally via certain helicopters.

The U.S. Army placed its initial order for 657 of the vehicles, 2,977 installed kits and related support earlier this year in a contract valued at more than $243 million.

Oshkosh was awarded a $6.75 billion contract to build nearly 17,000 of the vehicles in August. Lockheed Martin, which also bid on the contract, initially protested the awarding of the contract to Oshkosh, but withdrew its protest in February.