Japan mulls options for several armoured vehicle programmes
The JGSDF is actively looking for a replacement for its Type 96 WAPC 8x8 vehicle. (Gordon Arthur)
Japan's military is seeking follow-on generations of 8x8 and 4x4 armoured vehicles, and overseas designs are strong contenders.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is seeking replacement vehicles for its Light Armoured Vehicle (LAV), Type 96 Wheeled Armoured Personnel Carrier (WAPC) and Type 75 armoured bulldozer. These three programmes are inching forwards.
In March, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) entered into contracts with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Marubeni Aerospace regarding a next-generation LAV 4x4.
It was thought that Oshkosh’s JLTV and Nurol Makina NMS might be candidates for the replacement LAV. Instead, MHI has proposed the Thales Australia Hawkei to the JGSDF. Mitsubishi will produce the Hawkei under license if the JGSDF adopts it.
Meanwhile,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract]()
DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
-
![Patria completes test firing of new self-propelled gun as demand for systems grows]()
Patria completes test firing of new self-propelled gun as demand for systems grows
Patria quotes a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds a minute from the new ARVE (ARtillery on VEhicle) self-propelled gun with a range of 40km for an assisted round. The rapid, low-risk development is designed to meet emerging requirements which have arisen out of the Ukraine war.
-
![US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers]()
US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
-
![The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army]()
The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army
In Conversation: Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s Chris Burrows about how the company's UK TacCIS business is reshaping battlefield communications through sustained customer engagement, accelerated innovation and ecosystem collaboration.
-
![Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million]()
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.
