ATLA displayed the Type 16 MCV at the DSEI Japan 2023 exhibition in Chiba. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to procure a total of 250 Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles (MCVs), Japan's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) told Janes on 15 March at the DSEI Japan 2023 exhibition in Chiba.
ATLA officials said the JGSDF has ordered and taken delivery of about 100 MCVs and orders for 150 additional vehicles – including variants – are expected in the next few years. The MCVs, which are also referenced as Maneuver Combat Vehicles, are built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) at its facility in Kanagawa Prefecture.
In fiscal year (FY) 2022, Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) ring-fenced funding of JPY23.7 billion (USD178.4 million) for 33 vehicles. In FY 2023, the MoD has allocated funding of JPY13.6 billion for 26 MCVs. A total of 22 vehicles were procured in FY 2021.
Initial development of the MCV started in the late 2000s and the first vehicle was delivered to the JGSDF in 2017 to start replacing the service's ageing fleet of Komatsu Type 96 8×8 armoured personnel carriers (APCs).
ATLA also contracted MHI to develop three new Type 16 variants in December 2019. Speaking at DSEI Japan 2023, ATLA confirmed that deliveries of the new variants have started, but did not provide details.
ATLA said the MCV, which is powered by a 570 hp diesel engine, is designed for air transportability and high road mobility. The vehicle's main armament is a 105 mm rifled-bore gun produced by Japan Steel Works.
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