In 2006, the Pentagon initiated the JLTV program to develop a heavier and more protected vehicle to replace the Humvee, ultimately awarding Oshkosh Defense a $6.7 billion contract in 2015 for the delivery of 16,901 units. The anticipated demand for the JLTV reached 64,000 units, drawing interest from allied nations such as Belgium, Romania, and Lithuania, with the UK expressing intent to procure 2,747 vehicles. Production commenced in 2016; however, a significant quality control issue emerged, as reports revealed that vehicles manufactured between 2017 and 2019 contained defective armor plates, with internal investigations indicating that quality tests were falsified by Evraz North America, responsible for the armor’s production. At least four employees admitted to bypassing mandatory strength verification protocols, citing time constraints due to large orders, although company leadership denied any wrongdoing. The Pentagon now faces the critical task of identifying all JLTVs built with compromised materials, with approximately 22,000 units produced by 2024. This situation has attracted the FBI’s attention, underscoring the strategic implications for U.S. military readiness and international defense relationships.
