Japan develops armour for field ambulance
Japan is developing add-on armour protection for its 1.5-ton 4x4 ambulance. (Gordon Arthur)
Japan is going to up-armour some field ambulances, in order to create its first armoured medical vehicles.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) does not have any armoured ambulances, but the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) is developing ballistic plates made of synthetic resins and ceramics to protect existing ambulances.
The JGSDF relies on a 1.5t field ambulance based on Toyota’s High Mobility Vehicle. It can transport four stretchers or eight walking patients.
ATLA has allocated JPY300 million ($2.4 million) to develop this armour, with design work occurring in FY2021-22, and testing scheduled for FY2022. ATLA has entered into an agreement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the armour’s development.
An image of the 1.5t ambulance in
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on]()
Levelling up – how autonomous fire control tackles unmanned lethality head-on
As autonomous weapon systems proliferate, it is now essential to use the same core technologies to counteract and neutralise them.
-
![BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape]()
BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90120 medium tank takes shape
The new vehicle will be based on the CV90 Mk IV chassis and turret, and will be armed with a Rheinmetall 120mm L44A1 low recoil smoothbore gun.
-
![UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign]()
UK government argues strife has little impact on steel supply but imports reign
Speaking in the UK Parliament, Defence Minister Luke Pollard said possible changes in the country’s steelmaking industry will have little impact on defence projects; while much of the steel in British vehicles and ships is imported.
