Defense manufacturer Oshkosh has signed an $89-million deal with the US Army to retrofit its Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) A1 tractors with enhanced modification kits.
An estimated 1,384 kits will be used to convert the US Army’s HET trucks into their Enhanced Heavy Equipment Transporter System (EHETS) variant.
The EHETS tractors will be used alongside other heavy-duty vehicles for haul, local haul, and maintenance evacuation of military equipment including tanks and armored vehicles.
The agreement is set to cover five years of work, as well as the option to extend for three more years.
Focus on logistics innovation has been employed by the US in recent months, mainly as a preemptive approach to avoiding external conflicts.
Eyeing Logistic Changes
Oshkosh Defense chief programs officer Pat Williams said that the company promotes the US Army’s continued modernization through integration of newer technologies into the force.
“The EHET is another example of the adaptability of the Oshkosh Family of Heavy Tactical Vehicles to seamlessly integrate advanced capabilities onto the existing fleet,” he said.
Recently, the company was selected to supply the US Army with up to 557 Medium Equipment Trailers (METs), with the first units expected to be handed over in May 2024.
The METs will be used in tandem with the upcoming EHETS trucks to move materials weighing up to 60 tons.
It also signed a $208-million contract with the country in November to supply it with Joint Light Tactical Vehicles to be used for ambulance, command and control, and reconnaissance missions.
