The Embassy of Japan in Ukraine recently confirmed the delivery of military vehicles by Japan’s Ministry of Defense to bolster Ukraine’s Defense Forces. On December 26, 2023, this strategic transfer marked the introduction of the second generation of Type 73 mid-size off-road vehicles and at least one Morooka tracked armored carrier to Ukraine. The Type 73 Light Truck, a series of military vehicles produced by Mitsubishi Motors since 1973, has gained recognition for its versatility and reliability within the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Referred to as the 1/2 Ton Truck in JSDF service, this vehicle series has seen prior exportation from Japan, primarily as military surplus vehicles to various countries such as the Philippines, South Vietnam (where it became one of the main jeeps of the ARVN during the Vietnam War), and even for civilian use in New Zealand.
The Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck (Shin) launched in 1996, signifies a technological leap. Utilizing the framework of the Mitsubishi Pajero, allowing for the mounting of various heavy machine guns and anti-tank missile launchers. The Shin Light Truck introduces the deployment of Sumitomo MINIMI Light Machine Guns, diversifying the armaments available for operational use. One of the critical adaptations observed during the deployment of Shin Light Trucks in Iraq as part of the JIRSG (Japanese Iraq Reconstruction and Support Group) was the reinforcement of their armor. The decision to bulletproof these vehicles was a precautionary strategy aimed at safeguarding JSDF troops, operating under the constraints of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which refrains from involvement in offensive combat operations.
The light truck vehicles can be outfitted with various weapon systems such as Kawasaki Type 64 anti-tank pods, Kawasaki Type 79 and Kawasaki Type 87 anti-tank missile launchers. Japan Steel Works Type 60 recoilless rifles, Sumitomo MINIMI LMGs and Sumitomo M2 machine guns to make them both a mobile anti-tank and anti-personnel vehicle. Both light truck variants have the tarpaulin roof cover mounts at the rear as an option. They also have rear seats that can be folded up when they are not needed. Air conditioning is installed as a standard feature on the Shin variant. Light Trucks painted in white were exclusively used by JSDF military police units. The base Kyu models for personnel and light cargo transport were designated J24A, J25A and J23A.
The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has repurposed civilian tracked carrier dump trucks into a formidable military asset. The Morooka, originally designed for civilian use in transporting construction materials and heavy loads, underwent modifications tailored to meet the JGSDF’s specific needs. Its off-road capabilities proved pivotal, filling a crucial gap in the transportation of materials within rugged terrains where conventional trucks faced inefficiencies. The Morooka, specifically the PC-065B variant manufactured by the Morooka Corporation, boasts dimensions suited for maneuverability in challenging environments. Its remarkable specifications include a maximum payload capacity of approximately 3 tons and a lifting capability of about 2 tons.
