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,
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