Congressional report suggests revising JLTV requirements

Two weeks after the Army released its fiscal year 2019 budget request, a new report from the Congressional Research Service suggests the Army may increase its Joint Light Tactical Vehicle requirements.

The Feb. 27 report, originally obtained by Secrecy News, cites an increase in JLTV requirements and foreign military sales as potential events Congress should prepare for.

Given the Army's proposal to grow its end strength and force structure in the FY-19 request, which supports an active Army end strength of 487,500, the report argues it is likely overall JLTV requirements would also grow.

The service seeks to convert an existing infantry brigade combat team to an armored brigade combat team, activate three new security force assistance brigades and establish an additional ABCT equipment set in Europe in FY-19. As changes in the Army's force structure become clearer, the service may find it beneficial to issue revised requirements for JLTV procurement, the report states.

The report also addresses whether an increase in JLTV foreign military sales could affect the delivery schedule for all services. An increase in sales could in turn increase interoperability with allied forces or decrease the vehicle's per-unit cost, perhaps allowing the services to acquire more than originally planned, according to the report. Finally, the report asks what sort of export controls will apply to foreign military sales of the vehicle.

Notably, the Army's FY-19 JLTV procurement request is well above last year's projection. This year, the service seeks $1.3 billion for 3,390 vehicles, rather than the $1.1 billion for 2,881 vehicles planned last year.