Japan to acquire more Type 19 mobile howtizers, Type 16 tank destroyers

The Type 16 tank destroyers leading columns of JGSDF armored vehicles.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) confirmed that they will purchase additional Type 19 155mm/52cal Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzers and Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles, to further enhance the capabilities of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF).

Seven (7) Type 19 SPH are planned for procurement under a JPY4.7 billion (US$$44 million) program, and are to replace some of the service’s FH-70 155mm towed howitzers. 

The Type 19 is made by Japan Steel Works, and will be connected by networked battlefield management system, and will allow for shoot-and-scoot tactics that the FH70 cannot do. It uses a MAN HX 8x8 military truck and has a crew of 5 men. 

33 Type 16 Mobile Combat Vehicles made by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are also planned for procurement under a JPY23.7 billion (US$221 million) program. The vehicles are essentially 105mm wheeled tank destroyers and can be moved rapidly by air due to its lightweight and compact size. 

It uses an 8x8 platform, with a frontal armor protection against 20mm rounds, and side armored protection against 12.7mm heavy machine gun rounds. It weighs around 26 tons and armed with a 105mm rifled tank gun.

The JGSDF has a total order of 142 Type 16 MCVs since 2016, with some of them already in service and unveiled to the public during the Fuji Firepower annual demonstration last August 2019.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Defence Blog