Elbit Systems to provide weapon stations for Montenegro Oshkosh JLTVs

Elbit Systems has received a contract to provide remote-controlled weapon stations (RCWS) for installation on Montenegro’s new Oshkosh Defense 4X4 Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTV).

The contract was awarded after Montenegro’s Ministry of Defense and the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed an inter-governmental contract at the Israeli headquarters in Tel Aviv.

Pursuant to the $35m contract, Elbit Systems will supply the RCWS systems to be integrated into the JLTVs produced by Oshkosh Defense.

Elbit Systems will be responsible for the integration work, which will be performed over three years.

The contract also requires the company to provide logistic support for the RCWS over a seven-year period.

Elbit Systems Land division general manager Yehuda (Udi) Vered said: “We are very proud to introduce our RCWS to Montenegro’s Armed Forces. This award further expands our Nato customer base and strengthens our growing cooperation with Oshkosh.

“We are witnessing a growing demand worldwide for our RCWS, of which many hundreds are already operational on board a range of land and naval platforms, and we trust that further customers will follow in acquiring our advanced and mature weapon stations.”

The company’s RCWS is a high-precision, lightweight, dual-axis multi-purpose weapon system designed for small and mid-calibres, according to Elbit Systems.

The 12.7mm weapon system can be mounted on any armoured fighting vehicle and main battle tank.

Designed to provide accurate on-the-move firing capability, the system is operable by the gunner from inside the vehicle.

The RCWS features automatic target tracking and supports day and night operations.

Israel International Defense Cooperation Directorate of the Defense Ministry (SIBAT) director brigadier general Yair Kulas was quoted by Israeli media sources as saying: “This agreement reflects the value of Israeli defence innovation in addressing issues that our strategic partners and allies may face.”