The Japanese Ministry of Defense (BÅei-shÅ) will procure 12 more Type 10 main battle tanks, as part on ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The Type 10 is a next generation main battle tank produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, the Type 10 has been equipped with enhancements in its capability to respond to anti-tank warfare and other contingencies. Currently, Japan use three types of main battle tanks including 76 Type 10, 200 Type 74 and 341 Type 90.
The use of modular components significantly improved the side armor compared to the Type 90. The Commander’s Panoramic Sight was moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view. The vehicle’s armor consists of modular sections, providing the ability to mount varying degrees of protection depending on the mission profile and weight requirements. Vehicle weight is 40 tonnes in base configuration, 44 tonnes in standard configuration, and 48 tonnes in full configuration (fully equipped).
Whereas the Type 90 used the same 120mm Rheinmetall main gun as other Western powers, the Type 10 uses a completely new gun, developed indigenously by Japan Steel Works. The Type 10’s new cannon can fire the normal JM33 APFSDS (license produced DM33 shell acquired from Germany) as well as all standard 120 mm NATO ammunition. One major improvement over the earlier Rheinmetall L44 cannon is that this new JSW gun mounted on the Type 10 tank can also fire an improved round, the newly developed Type 10 APFSDS round, which is specifically designed for and can only be fired by the Type 10.
The Type 10 tank is equipped with C4I system. This can be incorporated into the JGSDF network to enable sharing of information among tanks, as well as connected to the infantry’s outdoor computer network “Regiment Command Control System” (ReCS) to facilitate integrated military operations with the infantry troops. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that allows the tank to reach 70 km/h forward as well as reverse.Autoloader with crew of three (Commander and gunner in the turret, driver in the hull). Hydropneumatic active suspension,[8] which allows it to adjust its stance and absorbs recoil when firing.Day/night sights mounted around the turret, providing a full 360° coverage as well as providing input to the C4I system.
