Japan Ground Self-Defense Force 陸上自衛隊 (Rikujō Jieitai) |
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Components |
This article needs additional citations for
verification. (November 2020) |
The following is a list of equipment currently in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Name | Used by | Notes | Period used |
---|---|---|---|
Type I Camouflage | 1st Airborne Brigade, JGSDF Air Defense Artillery Groups | Also known as "Old Camo" or "Airborne Camo", it is the first camo scheme adopted by Japan after World War II. It is based on Hokkaido's wilderness (effective in Sasa veitchii field). The shades become distinguishable after wash, and the pattern itself doesn't match to the environment in mainland Japan, leading to the introduction of Type II camouflage. | 1970s–1990s (still in limited use in 2014) |
Type II camouflage |
Currently used by the JGSDF, the JMSDF, Japan National Defense Academy cadets, and JASDF Air Rescue Wings Pararescuemen. | Second domestically designed pattern. Made from 50% cotton/50% vinylon or 70% vinylon/30% cotton. The earlier model had anti-IR/flame-resistant fabric, but the latter lacks the feature. | 1991–present |
Type II brown-dominant winter pattern |
JGSDF | Darker contrast on Type II Flecktarn camo to fit the color of winter plants. Used on JGSDF Type-2 Camouflage Cold Weather Field Parka and Trousers(防寒戦闘服外衣, 戦闘外被, or shortly 外被). | 1991–present |
Type III camouflage |
Recently adopted by the JGSDF | Modified from ''Type II'' pattern with a 50% cotton/50% vinylon or 70% vinylon/30% cotton fabric (depending on the year of contract/manufacturer) and other changes including a change in the front closure, a mandarin collar, Velcro cuffs and pocket lids, wider pen pockets, a loop inside the right chest pocket for ID card chain, two calf storage pockets, and knee pads in the trousers. The back pocket on the trousers has been eliminated. The belt (made from the same fabric) comes with a name tag, unlike the former Type II Combat Uniform/Type II Camouflaged Work Uniform. The Type III Combat Uniform/Type III Camouflaged Work Uniform(戦闘服3型・迷彩作業服3型, or shortly 戦闘服)has the same pattern as the Type II camouflage. Each soldier receives two sets of the Type III Work Uniform after enlisting, and after the boot camp each soldier receives two sets of Type III Combat Uniform, Airborne Uniform or Tank Uniform, depending on the unit the soldier belongs to. The Combat Uniform and Camouflaged Work Uniform are identical to each other, except for the product tag. Commercial version of the item (100% polyester version, cotton/poli version etc.) is no longer authorized to be used, including the vinylon/cotton fabric version. The use of commercial combat cap in vinylon/cotton fabric is authorized. The commercial versions have slightly different shades. | 2007–present |
JGSDF Desert camouflage |
JGSDF International Peace Cooperation Activities Training Unit, JGSDF Central Readiness Force | Adopted by the JGSDF for Middle Eastern deployments. This camo is a desert version of the JGSDF's flecktarn pattern. The first unit using this particular camouflage was the Central Readiness Force during the 4th DAPE (Deployment Air Force for Counter-Piracy Operation) in the Gulf of Aden. | June 2010–present |
Name | Description | Image |
---|---|---|
Combat Loading Set | Miscellaneous clothing. | |
Combat Rainwear | Issued as a personal item. | |
Combat Boots Type 2 | Jungle boots with kevlar-like lining, the same model issued as a personal item is called " 半長靴3型 (Boots Type 3 )" | |
Cold-Weather Boots | Compatible with military issue cross-country skis | |
Work Jacket | Issued as personal item. Intended to be used in cold seasons over the work uniform. Consists of two chest pockets and two lower pockets (with flaps without closures). | |
Combat Underwear Type 2 | Khaki flame-resistant T-shirt, mainly used for ceremonial purposes. | |
Cold-Weather Combat Uniform Inner (Under) | A long-sleeved shirt and matching pants, made from thin synthetic fabric. | |
Cold-Weather Combat Uniform Inner (Outer) | Acryl sweater and matching pants, comes with a buttoned collar which is worn folded. | |
Name tags | Unlike the rank/skill insignias (in a green shade of the current camo), usually the name tags are in the olive drab of the Type 65 Work Uniform. Since the army regulation doesn't mention the name tags, each unit has its own regulation for the tags. Therefore, the layout, length, font, letters (Japanese or Latin alphabet), placement, method of attachment (either sewing or using velcro) etc. vary. Some troops do not use name tags for winter jackets. | |
Shoulder pouch | May be purchased individually, since the combat uniform doesn't have shoulder pockets. There are various commercial versions. Some troops use the velcro version to attach unit patches, insignias etc.. | |
Tracksuits and running shoes | Recruits are required to buy their own tracksuits and a pair of running shoes upon enlistment. Called the "ジャー戦 (Jaasen, literally jersey and combat uniform)", it is composed of a combat jacket, combat cap, trackpants and sneakers. This uniform code is often used in boot camp for jogging, eating in canteen or bathing. | |
部隊識別帽 (Baseball Cap) | Many troops use baseball caps with the troop's logo instead of the issued combat cap. Since it is unofficially introduced, it is not provided by the Force. There are no standards for the cap, although, in many cases the cap has the soldier's family name on top of the left ear. | |
CAB Clothing Coolnice 2 Pack OD T-shirts | Issued to some troops during the 2011 Tohoku campaigns. | |
Carabiner | May be purchased individually, to attach it to the either right or left waist tab on the combat uniform to hang gloves or combat cap. |
Name | Type | Description | Image |
---|---|---|---|
Type 66 helmet | Helmet | Largely replaced by the Type 88 helmet. Like the American M1 helmet upon which it was based, it is made of iron alloy. | |
Type 88 Helmet | Helmet | Japanese version of Kevlar PASGT helmet, replacing Type 66 helmet. | |
Combat Bullet-Proof Vest | Bullet-proof vest | Stored as a weapon, instead of a personal belonging, . Comes with ammo pouches. In some units, the Type 2 bullet-proof vest and/or Type 3 bullet-proof vest are issued . | |
Type 2 bullet-proof vest | Bullet-proof vest | Introduced in 1992 | |
Type 3 bullet-proof vest | Bullet-proof vest | The improvement Type 3 Kai was Introduced in 2015. [1] | |
Type 18 Armoured Vest System (AVS) | Bullet-proof vest | Successor of the
Type 3 bullet-proof vest .
8,000 vests ordered under the 2023 military budget for JPY 2.7 billion. [1] |
Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Handguns | |||||
Minebea P9 | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum |
West Germany Switzerland Japan |
Made under license by Minebea, designated the Minebea P9. Used with a leather holster or Safariland leg holster. Standard issue as of 1982. [3] | |
H&K SFP9-M | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | Germany | Replacement for the SIG P220 beginning in 2020. 323 pistols have been purchased. [4] | |
Submachine guns | |||||
Minebea 9mm Machine Pistol | Submachine gun | 9×19mm Parabellum | Japan | Made by Minebea. Introduced in 1999, it is the only domestically produced submachine gun of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It is derived from the Uzi. [5] | |
Assault rifles and battle rifles | |||||
Howa Type 89 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Japan | Service rifle, entered service in 1989. | |
Howa Type 64 | Battle rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Japan | Service rifle, entered service in 1964. It is gas-operated. | |
Howa Type 20 | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | Japan | New service rifle, replacing the Howa Type 89, beginning in 2020.
A total of 3,283 rifles have been purchased. [6] 8,577 are to be purchased in 2024. [7] Beretta GLX160 will be installed as under-barrel grenade launchers on some of the rifles. [7] |
|
Machine guns | |||||
Sumitomo MINIMI 5.56mm Machine Gun | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Japan | Made under license by Sumitomo, standard squad-level machine gun. Unique to the Sumitomo Minimi, the barrel has a heat shield. [8] | |
Minimi MK3 | Light machine gun | 5.56×45mm NATO | Belgium | Successor of the
Sumitomo MINIMI. 514 to be ordered in 2024 for $6.88 million.
[7]
A total of 3,100 is planned to be purchased. |
|
NTK/Sumitomo Type 62 machine gun | General purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Japan | Made by Sumitomo. It has been largely superseded by the Minimi, but it is still used for infantry support as a medium machine gun, and in certain vehicle-mounted roles. [9] | |
NTK/Sumitomo Type 74 In-vehicle machine gun | In-vehicle machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | Japan | Fixed-mount variant of the Type 62 used specifically for armoured fighting vehicles. [10] | |
Sumitomo J2 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun | Heavy machine gun |
12.7x99mm NATO
(.50 BMG) |
United States Japan |
[11]
M2 Browning made under license by Sumitomo. |
|
Precision rifles | |||||
Howa Type 64 | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Japan | ||
M24 A2 Sniper Rifle | Sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | United States | Made by Remington Arms. Introduced to the JSDF in 2002, it is used by snipers, [12] the 1st Airborne Brigade [13] and Special Forces Group. [14] Being replaced by the HK417. [7] | |
HK417, G28 E2 | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | Germany | 182 to be order in 2024 for $6.88 million.
The intention to purchase a total of 900 of these rifles. [7] Successor of the M24 A2. [7] |
|
Grenades / grenade launchers | |||||
M67 series fragmentation grenade | Hand grenade | – | United States | [15] | |
Beretta GLX 160 | Under-barrel grenade launcher | 40×46 mm LV | Italy | Selected to equip the Type 20 rifles. [7] | |
Type 06 rifle grenade | Rifle grenade | – | Japan | Made by Daikin in 2006. A HEAT rifle grenade that can be attached to either the Howa Type 64 or Type 89. [16] | |
Howa Type 96 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher | Automatic grenade launcher | 40x46mm | Japan | First entered service in 1996. It is a blow forward weapon and is used in both infantry and vehicle roles. [17] | |
Man-portable anti-tank systems | |||||
Howa 84RR | Recoilless rifle | 84x246mm | Japan Sweden | Made under license by Howa, designated the 84 mm Recoilless Rifle. [18] | |
Nissan110mm LAM | Anti-tank rocket launcher | 110mm | Japan West Germany | Made under license by Nissan/ IHI IHI Aerospace. [19] | |
Type 79 Anti-Landing craft and Anti-Tank Missile | Heavy anti-tank/landing-craft guided missile | 153mm | Japan | Built by Kawasaki. [20] | |
Type 87 Anti-Tank Missile | Laser guided anti-tank missile | 110mm | Japan | Built by Kawasaki. [21] | |
Type 01 Light Anti-Tank Missile | Anti-tank guided missile | 140mm | Japan | Built by Kawasaki. [22] | |
Mines | |||||
M18 Claymore mine | Directional fragmentation anti-personnel mine | – | United States | Can be detonated either by tripwire or remote control. [23] |
Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Quantiy | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mortars | ||||||
Type 96 Heavy mortar (RT 120mm Mortar) | Heavy mortar | 120mm | France | 462 | Built under license with the ordnance by Howa. Total of 462 purchased from 1990 to 2017. [35] | |
L16 81mm Mortar | Mortar | 81mm | United Kingdom | — | Built under license with the ordnance by Howa. [36] | |
Hirtenberger M6C-210 | Light mortar | 60mm | Austria | — | [37] | |
Self-propelled mortar | ||||||
Type 96 120 mm Self-propelled Mortar | Self-propelled mortar | 120 mm | Japan | 24 | Nicknamed the Gottohanma (God hammer). Built by Hitachi/ Howa [38] | |
Howitzer | ||||||
FH-70 | Towed howitzer | 155 mm |
United Kingdom West Germany Italy |
480 | Built under license with the ordnance by Japan Steel Works. Total of 480 built as of 2008. [39] | |
Self-propelled howitzer | ||||||
Type 99 155 mm Self-propelled Howitzer | Self-propelled howitzer | 155 mm L/52 | Japan | 135 | Built by Mitsubishi/ Japan Steel Works | |
Type 19 155 mm | Wheeled self-propelled howitzer | 155 mm L/52 | Japan | 14 | Built by
Japan Steel Works
7 ordered with 2019 budget 7 ordered with 2020 budget [40] 16 Type 19 to be ordered with 2024 budget. [41] Up to 200 planned eventually [42] |
|
Rocket artillery | ||||||
M270 MLRS | Multiple rocket launcher | — | Japan United States | 54 | Built under license with the ordnance by IHI AEROSPACE | |
Artillery support vehicles | ||||||
Type 99 Artillery Support Vehicle | Artillery Support Vehicle | — | Japan | — | Built by Hitachi | |
Type 87 | Ammunition resupply vehicle | — | Japan | — | Built by Hitachi |
Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Quantity | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Man portable air-defence | ||||||
Type 91 Portable Surface-to-Air Missile | Man portable surface-to-air missile | 80mm | Japan | — | Built by Toshiba. | |
FIM-92A Stinger | Man-portable air-defense system | 70mm | United States | — | [55] | |
Short range air-defence missiles | ||||||
Type 81 Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile | Surface-to-air missile | 160mm | Japan | — | Built by Toshiba. | |
Type 93 Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile | Surface-to-air missile | 80mm | Japan | — | Built by Toshiba. | |
Type 11 Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile | Surface-to-air missile | 160mm | Japan | — | Built by Toshiba. | |
Medium range air defence missiles | ||||||
Improved-HAWK | Surface-to-air missile | 370mm | United States | — | Made under license by Mitsubishi/Toshiba. | |
Type 03 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile | Surface-to-air missile | 320mm | Japan | — | Built by Mitsubishi/Toshiba. | |
Anti-aircraft gun | ||||||
Type 87 SPAAG | Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun | 35 mm | Japan | 52 | Built by Mitsubishi, nicknamed as the '"Gum-tank" (Gundam Tank). |
Name | Type | Caliber | Origin | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Surface-to-Ship Missile | |||||
Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile [56] | Anti-ship missile | 350mm | Japan | Built by Mitsubishi. | |
Type 88 Surface-to-Ship Missile [57] | Anti-ship missile | 350mm | Japan | Built by Mitsubishi. |
Name | Origin | Role | Variant | In service | On order | Notes | Photo |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fixed-wing aircraft | |||||||
Beechcraft Super King Air B300 | United States | Reconnaissance and communications | LR-2 | 8 [58] | — | ||
Tilt-rotor aircraft | |||||||
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey | United States | V/STOL military transport aircraft | MV-22B | 14 [59] | + 3 [59] | 17 planned in total [60] | |
Rotary-wing aircraft | |||||||
Boeing AH-64 Apache | United States Japan | Attack helicopter | AH-64DJP | 12 [58] | — | 13 built by Fuji. One crashed on 5 February 2018. [61] | |
Bell AH-1 Cobra | United States Japan | Attack helicopter | AH-1S | 48 [58] | — | Built by Fuji. | |
Kawasaki OH-1 | Japan | Scout helicopter | OH-1 | 37 [58] | — | Replaced the OH-6D fleet. | |
UH-60 Black Hawk | United States Japan | Transport helicopter | UH-60JA | 40 [58] | — | Most built by Mitsubishi | |
Bell UH-1 | United States Japan | Utility helicopter | UH-1H UH-1J |
115 [58] | — | Built by Fuji. To be replaced by a version of the Bell 412 EPI. | |
Bell 412 | Canada United States Japan | Utility helicopter | UH-2
Bell 412 EPI |
6 [59] | + 21
+123 [59] |
150 planned to be ordered in the programme.
[62]
[63]
Confirmed purchases:
|
|
Boeing CH-47 Chinook | United States Japan | Transport helicopter | CH-47J CH-47JA |
50 [58] | — | Built by Kawasaki | |
Trainer aircraft | |||||||
Enstrom 480 | United States | Trainer helicopter | TH-480B | 30 [59] | |||
UAVs (Unmanned aerial vehicles) | |||||||
Fuji FFOS
and |
Japan | Reconnais-sance UAV | Small helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle. Primarily used as a forward reconnaissance platform for field artillery. [64] [65] | ||||
Boeing Insitu ScanEagle | United States | Reconnais-sance UAV | 1 | Delivered by Insitu Pacific [66] | |||
Yamaha R-MAX | Japan | Reconnais-sance UAV | Small helicopter unmanned aerial vehicle [67] | ||||
Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk | United States | Surveillance unmanned aerial vehicle | Apparently in service in some numbers with the Central Readiness Force. Used primarily for hazardous area reconnaissance (e.g. radiation survey). | ||||
Japanese Emperor’s Royal Flight Service | |||||||
Eurocopter EC 225 | Europe | VIP helicopter | EC 225LP | 3 | — | Replacing the AS332L [68] [69] |
Name | Origin | Type | Quantity | Notes | Image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Armoured vehicles | |||||
— | Japan | Infantry combat vehicle | — | New platform in development to replace the Mitsubishi Type 89 IFV. [70] | |
— | Japan | Armoured personnel carrier | — | New tracked platform in development to replace the Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier. [70] | |
— | Japan | Armoured mortar carrier | — | New platform in development to be equipped with a turreted 120 mm mortar. [70] | |
Type 16 ICV | Japan | Infantry combat vehicle | 24
+ 1 prototype |
Based on the
Type 16 (Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicle programme), first orders made with 2024 budget, delivery from 2027
[71] Equipment:
[72]
|
|
Type 16 RCV | Japan | Reconnaissance combat vehicle | 1 prototype | Based on the
Type 16 (Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicle programme), being tested and to replace the
Type 87 RCV
[71]
[72]
Equipment: [72]
|
|
Type 16 MMCV | Japan | Armoured mortar carrier | 8
+ 1 prototype |
Based on the
Type 16 (Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicle programme), first orders made with 2024 budget, delivery from 2027. Planned to replace the
Type 96 120 mm Self-propelled Mortar.
[71]
[72]
Equipment: [72] |
|
Patria AMVXP, | Japan Finland | Armoured personnel carrier | 810
(Approximately) |
Type 96 replacement. | |
Mowag Eagle V |
Switzerland
or |
Armored car | Up to 2,000 | Komatsu LAV replacement, selection of the successor ongoing. |
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