U.S. Rep. Yakym leads bipartisan letter urging FY27 funding for Light Tactical Vehicle Procurement and Modernization

 This week, Congressman Rudy Yakym led 27 colleagues in urging the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to sustain and enhance investments in the U.S. military’s Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV) modernization strategy for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27).

In a letter to Subcommittee Chairman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Ranking Member Betty McCollum (MN-04), the lawmakers urged support for the highest possible funding for the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) program, $200 million for the Army National Guard HMMWV Modernization program, and $100 million for the Army Reserve HMMWV Modernization program.

The letter highlights that the Army has affirmed a requirement for more than 100,000 trucks, with an intent to retain approximately 50,000 HMMWVs balanced with some 50,000 JLTVs to be sustained beyond 2050. In 2023, the Army awarded AM General an up to 10-year contract for over 20,000 JLTV A2s and almost 10,000 JLTV trailers.

“Over the past several decades, Congress has made substantial investments in the LTV program, which has led to increased warfighter safety and effectiveness,” the letter states. “The JLTV and HMMWV programs are both proven, global, combat-tested systems that have provided a comparative advantage for U.S. forces and our allies for decades.”

The letter also underscores the economic importance of the LTV program. AM General, the primary U.S. manufacturer, employs more than 1,100 Americans at major facilities in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio, with a supplier base spanning 48 states. The lawmakers warned that reduced funding could jeopardize smaller suppliers, noting that qualifying a new supplier takes a minimum of 6–8 months and creates substantial risk in meeting vehicle delivery requirements.

The letter urges the Committee to maintain balanced and sustained funding as it begins consideration of the FY27 Defense Appropriations Act.

Read full text of the letter HERE.