Oshkosh Defense to lay off 160 workers

OSHKOSH, Wis. (WISS) – Oshkosh Defense will lay off 160 employees in Jan. 2026. The company is looking to right-size its Oshkosh workforce with current and anticipated business needs. 

In a statement to WISS News, a spokesperson for Oshkosh Defense said that despite efforts to expand work, implement upskill programs for team members, offer voluntary reductions, and insource, the company is experiencing overstaffing in some production areas. 

The company confirms it will lay off approximately 160 production positions in Oshkosh, effective Jan. 5, 2026. 

The statement says, “This difficult decision was made only after careful consideration of all available options. Impacted team members will be provided with information, resources, and transition support to assist them during this process.”

Oshkosh Defense is a subsidiary of Oshkosh Corporation. It makes vehicles for the U.S. Military and other global partners.