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
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