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
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
