In 2020, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) secured a contract to build prototypes of three new variants of the Type 16 MCV: a new infantry combat vehicle (ICV), a reconnaissance combat vehicle (RCV), and a manoeuvre mortar combat vehicle (MMCV) based on the 8×8 MCV. The contract was signed on 20 December 2019, with delivery of the prototypes to the JGSDF expected to be completed by March 2022. Very few details have emerged about the new variants, but Janes reported that the MMCV will be capable of firing 120 mm mortar rounds, while the ICV variant will be equipped with a battle management system that will enable it to work closely with the MCV.
The Japan Ministry of Defense’s (MoD’s) Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) has awarded Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) on 20 December 2019, with delivery of the prototypes to the JGSDF expected to be completed by March 2022. JGSDF aims to develop a family of Type-16-based vehicles under a project called “Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicles”, meaning that the new 8×8 vehicles will have similar dimensions and components, although the new variants are expected to weigh less than the 26 tonnes of the MCV. The Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle (Hitoroku-shiki kidou-sentou-sha) is a wheeled tank destroyer of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) is also requesting 33 Type 16 Maneuver Combat Systems (MCV), also known as a Japanese twenty-first-century tank destroyer, according to document entitled Defense Programs and Budget of Japan in late March. The procurement of additional mobile combat vehicles suited for transportation by aircraft and other means will strengthen rapid deployment capabilities of the basic operational units (rapid deployment division and rapid deployment brigade). Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to spend $2.2 billion (Â¥23.7billion) to buy new Type-16 Maneuver Combat Systems.
The Type 16 maneuver combat vehicle (MCV) equips designated combat units. Due to its light weight and small size, it is designed for easy deployment (by aircraft if needed) allowing rapid movement on narrow roads and in built-up areas in response to various contingencies. 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 intention is for the MCV to act as both as a rapid reaction asset against conventional incursions on the outer islands and as a counter-insurgency vehicle against asymmetrical attacks in urban areas of Japan by enemy special forces, intelligence operatives, or their proxies.
