Oshkosh announces production of its 10,000th JLTV

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- Oshkosh Defense recently produced its 10,000th Joint Light Tactical Vehicle -- more than half it's orders for the vehicle -- the company announced Tuesday.

Oshkosh officials pointed to the JLTV becoming a central piece of the U.S. military's ground force, as both the Army and Marine Corps plan to adopt the vehicle, as making the milestone significant.

Oshkosh Defense has received orders for 18,126 JLTVs for a total contract value of more than $6 billion.

"Producing the 10,000th JLTV in under five years is further evidence of our ability to meet the demands of our domestic and international customers," George Mansfield, vice president and general manager of joint programs for Oshkosh Defense, said in a press release.

The JLTV was developed by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army to replace the Marines' aging fleet of Humvees.

The vehicle includes variants with multiple mission package configurations, including packages for personnel, heavy guns and close combat weapons.

The first contract for JLTVs was awarded in 2015 and the first orders were placed in 2016.

In addition to outfitting the United States with JLTVs, Oshkosh has received orders for the vehicles from overseas allies and partners including, Britain, Belgium, Montenegro, Slovenia, Lithuania, Brazil, and North Macedonia.