IAV 2022: Japan builds amphibious assault vehicle demonstrator

ATLA displayed a model of the JGSDF's future amphibious armoured vehicle at DSEI Japan 2019. (Kosuke Takahashi )

Japan is building an amphibious assault vehicle (AAV) demonstrator that is expected to be completed by October 2022, Janes learned at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) 2022 conference being held in London on 24–27 January. The new vehicle is to replace the AAV7A1 that equips the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's (JGSDF's) amphibious forces.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense's Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) displayed a model of the future AAV at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) Japan 2019 defence exhibition in Chiba. A one-eighth scale version has since been used to model the vehicle's swimming capabilities in conditions up to Sea State 3.

The future AAV will be powered by a specially built compact 3,000 hp engine that, when combined with a water-jet at the rear of the vehicle, will allow it to overcome coral reefs and steep terrain at a forward angle of up to 70 degrees.