The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Canada of Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs) and associated equipment worth an estimated $160 million, according to a notice from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
The proposed package includes up to 60 JLTVs and nine JLTV cargo trailers. Also covered are communications systems, mobility and survivability enhancements, spare and repair parts, special tools and test equipment, technical manuals, maintenance trainers, and training support. U.S. government and contractor personnel will provide technical, engineering, and logistics assistance as part of the deal.
The DSCA said the proposed sale would “support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to improve the military capability of Canada, a NATO Ally that is an important force for ensuring political stability and economic progress, and a contributor to military, peacekeeping, and humanitarian operations around the world.”
According to the agency, the sale will bolster Canada’s ability to respond to current and emerging threats while enhancing its capacity to operate in complex and rapidly changing environments. The transfer is also framed as a contribution to “increased burden-sharing with allies and partners in support of peace operations and peacekeeping around the world.”
Canada is not expected to face any difficulties in absorbing the vehicles and services into its armed forces. DSCA emphasised that the sale will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The prime contractor will be AM General, LLC, with facilities in Auburn Hills, Michigan, and Mishawaka, Indiana. As is customary, any offset agreements will be determined in negotiations between the Canadian government and AM General.
Implementation of the sale is projected to involve multiple trips to Canada by up to 15 U.S. government officials and 20 contractor representatives over a period of up to six years. These teams will manage fielding, training, and logistics support throughout the program’s lifecycle.
Why did the Army not get on and buy this years ago?
I thought we were going to get them at a good price due to economies of scale by tapping into the huge US order.
What went wrong? The usual mooted Army paralysation in fear of buying something that turns out to be the wrong choice or financial pressures elsewhere?
Can’t remember off the top of my head but JLTV was looked at, I think maybe it was too expensive. At 3 million a pop it’s not far off the cost of a CR3.
Hi Daniele, I heard there was some significant cost increase on them that chilled the Army’s interest/justification for the order- but beyond that not heard anything for ages now…
Hopefully someone else will have a bit more knowledge!