Japan to upgrade Type 10 MBT

Japan's Type 10 MBT weighs 44 tonnes but can be stripped down to 40 tonnes to improve transportability. (Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force)

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo has released a procurement document outlining an intention to upgrade its Mitsubishi Type 10 main battle tanks (MBTs).

The notice, issued on 20 September, focuses on the acquisition of an active protection system (APS) and an integrated 30 mm gun fitted on a remote weapon station (RWS).

According to the notice, the APS needs to be integrated with sensors to be able to detect anti-tank projectiles, while the RWS should be fitted with an antenna to detect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Although not confirmed, three APS products are reportedly under consideration by the MoD. These include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' Trophy, Rheinmetall's StrikeShield, and Elbit Systems' Iron Fist. The RWS under consideration is reportedly the Kongsberg RS6 Protector.

The APS and RWS upgrades may be followed by additional modernisation projects for the tank. In June the MoD published a document, similar to a request for information (RFI), which said it is “considering technical measures to improve the capabilities of the Type 10 tank”. The document added that it is “calling on companies willing to provide information” about potential upgrades.

The document did not specify what the modernisation projects will focus on. However, it said foreign companies that will be considered for the requirements will be those that “have or plan to have” manufacturing facilities in Japan.

The MoD notices to upgrade the Type 10 do not state how many platforms will be upgraded. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) operates nearly 130 Type 10 MBTs. The platform entered service in 2012 and has remained in production by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).