Image source: topwar.ru
One of the main vehicles of Israel's mechanized units is the Humvee light armored vehicle. According to Western observers, without auxiliary versions, there are more than 2-2.5 thousand units in various modifications in the active fleet and in storage.
In recent years, with the deployment of active military operations by the IDF, criticism of the Humvee by the military has become systemic and is associated with significant wear and tear of equipment and its vulnerability in modern urban guerrilla conditions.
JLTV Utility (UTL):
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Military sources (including in the publications of the Yedioth Ahronoth publication) indicate an increase in complaints that Humvees cannot withstand the impact of anti-tank weapons (ATGMs and RPGs). Israeli soldiers claim that installing additional armor sets makes the vehicle overweight, reducing its maneuverability and increasing the risk of overturning.
JLTV Heavy Guns Carrier (HGC):
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Technical failures are reported to have become widespread after almost two years of continuous fighting. Unit commanders (for example, the 7th Brigade) pointed out mistakes in planning – a short-lived campaign was envisaged, but it dragged on for many years, and the equipment could not withstand such a pace of operation. The army is faced with an acute shortage of original spare parts, which forces soldiers and technicians to "improvise."
JLTV Close Combat Weapons Carrier (CCWC):
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Against this background, the United States approved the possible sale of 3,250 JLTV armored vehicles and related equipment for $1.98 billion. These cars are designed to replace the Humvee.
JLTV General Purpose (GP):
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The equipment will be supplied in 4 versions. The JLTV Utility (M1279A1/A2/A3) is a two–door configuration designed for cargo transportation, logistics support, and specialized equipment placement. The JLTV Heavy Guns Carrier (M1278A1/A2/A3) is a four–door modification designed to accommodate heavy weapons or remotely operated combat modules. The JLTV Close Combat Weapons Carrier (M1281A1/A2/A3) is designed to perform close combat missions, and therefore carries heavy weapons. The JLTV General Purpose (M1280A1/A2/A3) is a basic four-door version that can be equipped with various modular loads.
Earlier, in 2023, Israel purchased a trial batch of 75 JLTV machines, after which massive purchases of this equipment began, but not as large as the planned transaction.