JGSDF lines up next-generation wheeled armoured vehicles
This is the Hawkei that Japan has been testing as a potential replacement for the LAV. (Photo: Koji Miyake)
Foreign OEMs are starting to get a look-in for military vehicle programmes in Japan.
Thales Australia’s Hawkei and General Dynamics Land Systems’ Eagle are competing to supply a successor to the Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).
Indeed, a Hawkei was exhibited at DSEI Japan, the vehicle having been sent to Japan around a year ago for tests by the JGSDF.
Since the Hawkei and Eagle are about three times the price of a LAV, it won’t be easy to replace the 1,954 LAVs produced on a one-for-one basis. Furthermore, both are larger and heavier than the LAV, making them difficult to operate on narrow Japanese roads.
Elsewhere, Patria’s
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Polaris displays new all-terrain vehicle with Alakran mortar system]()
DSEI 2025: Polaris displays new all-terrain vehicle with Alakran mortar system
The Polaris Government and Defense’s Military RZR (MRZR) Alpha 1KW was displayed at the Modern Day Marine exposition in the US earlier this year and with the Alakran mobile mortar weapon system at DSEI. The company outlined recent firing trials with the Alakran mobile mortar weapon system (MMWS) which was weeks after the company announced a major NATO deal.
-
![DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer]()
DSEI 2025: Thales creating new remote weapon station and Storm 2 counter-drone jammer
Thales launched Storm-H in 2012 as an EW system equipping individual dismounted troops, and a decade later revealed details to develop the improved and more powerful Storm 2.
-
![The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating]()
The integration between drones and land vehicles is accelerating
Drones and military ground vehicles are increasingly being designed to operate together as a single platform or even to convert crewed systems to automated ones.
-
![Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system]()
Denmark shuns US platform as it settles on SAMP/T air defence system
The acquisition, which is part of the country’s broader defence package worth DKK58 billion (US$9.2 billion), goes against the grain with many other European countries opting for the US’s popular Patriot platform.
