Image via Oshkosh Defense
The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has tapped Oshkosh Defense to produce the JLTV for the European nation’s military. It’s a move which has surprised some and demonstrates what might be a shift in how Europe is thinking about its own militaristic defense in the near future.
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The northwest European nation wants Oshkosh Defense to make 150 Dutch Expeditionary Patrol Vehicles (DXPV). They will be based on the standard JLTV with modifications as specified for the Future Littoral All Terrain Mobility – Patrol Vehicle.
These DXPV versions of the JLTV will be used by the Dutch Marines. According to Oshkosh Defense, it’s not only more off-road capable than the Humvee, the truck is up to 70 percent faster in rugged terrain and can be outfitted with advanced technologies.
One big question is why the Netherlands making this move right now? It could just be a routine purchase to replace aging trucks for Dutch Marines. But it could also be a result of the continent fearing potential Russian aggressions, among other military threats.
It might also have something to do with the Netherlands saying it’s aiming to more than double the number of enlisted members of its military by 2030. Currently, the county has about 70,000 personnel in uniform. The target number in five years is 200,000.
With all those extra Dutch Marines, transports like the JLTV will be needed. Other armored vehicles will also be added to the Netherlands military in the near future. Other European nations seem to be ramping up similarly.
For now, Oshkosh Defense is the sole manufacturer supplying America’s allies with JLTV trucks. Along with the Netherlands, the company’s list of military clients include Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Mongolia, Slovakia, Romania, and Brazil.
We obviously don’t know the spec of the DXPV, but they will be spotted in service before too long.
Image via Oshkosh Defense
