The Japanese government has placed an order for 16 additional Type-16 Mobile Combat Vehicles (MVC) for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
According to the Defence Ministry, around 12.1 billion yen was allocated for order 16 new Type-16 MCVs in 2018.
The Type-16 Mobile Combat Vehicle can increase strengthen rapid deployment capabilities of the basic operational units (rapid deployment divisions and rapid deployment brigades) of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. This eight-wheel armored vehicle with a 105 mm cannon is suited for transportation by aircraft and other means.
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The 26 tonnes Type-16 fire support vehicle was first publicly revealed in 2013. Official sources claim that the MCV produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and was deployed in 2017. It is planned that some 200-300 of these vehicles will be built for Japan’s army.
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Despite its small size and light armor, it can successfully attack much larger armored fighting vehicles as well as personnel, using its large caliber gun. The main armament is a 105 mm gun developed by Japan Steel Works. Also, the vehicle equipped with 12.7 mm NATO M2 Browning machine gun, coaxial Sumitomo Type 74 7.62 mm NATO medium machine gun.
