Japan beefs up ground force with new armoured vehicles
The JGSDF will purchase 24 Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles in FY2024, as well as two new variants spawned from the Mitsubishi-built chassis. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s (JGSDF) has been modernising its combat vehicle fleet to deter threats from nearby China, Russia and North Korea.
The JGSDF’s combat vehicle fleet has continued being modernised under a record FY2024 defence budget of JPY7.95 trillion (US$55.9 billion), which was approved last December, as the country keeps watch on threats from China, North Korea and Russia.
Under its new budget commencing 1 April, which was up 16% year on year, Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) allocated JPY21.3 billion for 24 Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles (MCVs). Japan has planned to induct 250 of these MCVs which have been favoured for their ease of air transportation and ability to move rapidly by road. They will be fielded by reconnaissance
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems]()
MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems
ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are designed for the harshest environments, delivering mission critical comms, navigation and USB data/power.
-
![Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts]()
Active vehicle protection comes to the forefront as Trophy and Iron Fist secure contracts
Experience on the battlefield is accelerating the adoption of active protection systems as technologies continue to evolve to reflect shifting global defence needs.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
