Japan to induct 230 Type 16 manoeuvre combat vehicles

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force plans to induct approximately 230 Type 16 manoeuvre combat vehicles. (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force)

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) plans to induct approximately 230 Type 16 manoeuvre combat vehicles (MCVs), Japan's Ministry of Defense (MoD) told Janes on 1 April.

According to the MoD's Defense Programs and Budget of Japan 2022 document, the MoD plans to acquire 33 Type 16 MCVs for JPY23.4 billion (USD190.9 million) in 2022.

Under the fiscal year (FY) 2021 budgetary document, the MoD plans to induct 22 Type 16s worth JPY15.8 billion, and under the FY 2020 budgetary document, the JGSDF will induct 33 Type 16 MCVs worth JPY27.3 billion.

An MoD spokesperson told Janes that the JGSDF inducted 14 of the 33 Type 16 MCVs procured under the 2020 budgetary document.

However, the spokesperson did not disclose the total number of Type 16s in operation with the JGSDF.

The Type 16 vehicles will perform various operations including island defence. “The Type 16 can perform high-speed road manoeuvres. This [vehicle] is suitable for rapid manoeuvring in Japan, where the road network is well-developed. The Type 16 can also be transported on a [Kawasaki] C-2 airlifter and various ships to deal with situations such as island [defence] quickly before opposing forces can organize,” said the spokesperson.

The Type 16 mobile combat vehicle was developed and manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. It features command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) capabilities and operates in various rapid deployment formations including reconnaissance battalions, the spokesperson added.