Japan to develop an unmanned amphibious vehicle
A model of the MAV on display at MAST Asia 2019, with the vehicle to be converted into an unmanned platform. (Photo: Koji Miyake)
Japan is developing an unmanned version of the Mitsubishi Amphibious Vehicle (MAV) as part of efforts to improve its amphibious capabilities.
The Japanese MoD plans to develop an uncrewed amphibious vehicle to transport supplies from the sea to units ashore, allocating JPY21.1 billion ($143.5 million) in its FY2024 budget request for the effort.
Development of the vehicle will occur from FY2024-26, and technical testing will follow from FY2026-27. Practical completion of the platform is planned for FY2028.
An illustration in the FY2024 budget request showed what looked like the Mitsubishi Amphibious Vehicle (MAV).
The MAV is powered by a V8 12MB engine that produces 3,000hp, plus an integrated hydro-pneumatic suspension system called ‘Tera Ninja’ and two waterjets.
The tracked MAV deploys trim vanes on
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Land Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise]()
IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
-
![IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind]()
IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind
Aselsan revealed at IDEX 2025 that it has been developing a 25mm calibre air-bursting munition known as ATOM 25.
-
![IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production]()
IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production
The new Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (LIFV) builds on Calidus’s experience with its Wahash (8×8) vehicle.
