US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers
Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. (Photo: US Army)
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
The implementation of the US Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) has been receiving criticism from Congress. Although it is intended to better prepare the service’s soldiers and inventory for tomorrow’s warfare, lawmakers have warned that this approach could negatively impact the national industry and the branch’s readiness.
The concerns relate to terminating multiple modernisation and acquisition programmes that the branch now considers outdated, late-to-market, overpriced, or difficult to maintain.
“Pursuing generational change on the cheap is risky business,” Mitch McConnell, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Defence and Republican Senator from Kentucky, stated during a hearing early this month.
“My view
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands]()
Romania selects Rheinmetall Lynx IFV as local defence manufacturing expands
As part of a multi-billion-dollar vehicle and artillery overhaul, Romania has officially selected the KF41 Lynx IFV to replace its ageing Soviet-based platforms.
-
![Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027]()
Saab to begin delivering new missile variant for RBS 70 air defence system in 2027
The Bolide 2 missile has a larger warhead than the original version as well as an aluminium nose cone, which replaces a copper version and allows for more explosive content and fragments.
-
![SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns]()
SAHA 2026: MKE sets its sights on the Turkish Army’s self-propelled guns
With multiple artillery platforms on display at SAHA 2026, Turkey’s defence contractors are positioning to replace the country’s older imported platforms.
-
![Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour]()
Saab unveils new round to defeat explosive reactive armour
The HEAT 758 has a tandem warhead consisting of an initial charge which neutralises the explosive reactive armour and the main charge which penetrates the primary armour. It is fired from a standard Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon launcher and has been ordered by an undisclosed customer.
