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
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
-
![AUSA 2026: Nammo advances 155mm ramjet artillery technology for extended-range fire]()
AUSA 2026: Nammo advances 155mm ramjet artillery technology for extended-range fire
Nammo is developing new artillery ammunition designed to extend firing ranges, combining ramjet propulsion research with conventional, base-bleed and rocket-assisted projectile designs.
-
![AUSA 2026: BAE Systems pushes air defence capability with two new demonstrators]()
AUSA 2026: BAE Systems pushes air defence capability with two new demonstrators
The company's new artillery demonstrator is intended to engage incoming missiles and ground targets, while a separate microwave system focuses on uncrewed aerial threats.
-
![AUSA 2026: Bale Defence adds CUAS role to RTV6 platform]()
AUSA 2026: Bale Defence adds CUAS role to RTV6 platform
An elevated remote weapon station, radar sensor and 12.7mm machine gun provide the Australian vehicle with a potential mobile counter-drone capability.
