The Japanese MoD announced the selection results from separate competitions for a new rifle and pistol for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) on 6 December.
The Howa5.56, designed by Howa Machinery, was selected for the new rifle, and the SFP9, designed by Heckler & Koch, was chosen as the new pistol. The JGSDF will procure 3,283 Howa5.56 rifles for JPY1 billion ($9.2 million) under the FY2020 budget.
The MoD had shortlisted the Howa5.56, the HK416 from Heckler & Koch and the SCAR-L from FN Herstal for its rifle competition, and it tested their performances side by side.
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