Japan's Type 10 Tank Is Going Through a 'Massive Upgrade'

Summary and Key Points: Japan's Mitsubishi Type 10 main battle tank (MBT) is undergoing significant upgrades to enhance its survivability against modern threats, including man-portable anti-tank weapons and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

-The improvements, announced by Japan's Ministry of Defense, include an advanced active protection system (APS) and a remotely operated 30mm gun to counter drones. The APS will likely be integrated with sensors to detect anti-tank projectiles, with systems such as Rafael’s Trophy and Rheinmetall’s StrikeShield under consideration.

-With a modular design, the upgrades will be installed on newly produced tanks and retrofitted onto existing units to improve 360-degree protection.

Japan's Type 10 Tank to Get Major Upgrade

It could be argued that the island nation of Japan has a limited need for advanced main battle tanks (MBT), especially as its post-World War II constitution requires that the nation maintain a policy of pacifism where possible. Article 9's "no war" clause prohibits the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) from maintaining military hardware that could be employed in an offensive role.

Of course, much is left up to interpretation – which explains how the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is now converting its multirole destroyers into full-fledged aircraft carriers. On the land, the story is similar as Tokyo has introduced a plan to upgrade its Mitsubishi Type 10 MBTs, improving what has already been seen as an effective and capable tank.

History of the Japanese Tanks

The Asian island nation is noted for being an industrial powerhouse, and continues to be the third largest automotive producer in the world – yet it was a century ago that began the development of its first tank, the Type 87 Chi-I. More of a proof of concept than anything, just one prototype was produced, and it convinced Japanese designers to go in another direction.

That led to the development of the Type-89 I-Go medium tank, which was just the first in a series of underperforming armored vehicles. By the Second World War, it could be argued most – if not all of – the Japanese military's tanks were a generation behind, and hopelessly obsolete. The American tanks may have been outgunned in Europe against superior German platforms, but in the Pacific, the American M4 Sherman proved far more able than nearly anything Tokyo fielded.

The situation was hardly improved in the post-World War II, with a series of equally underwhelming tanks being introduced – until the arrival of the Type 10 Hitomaru. Introduced to replace the antiquated Type 74 and to supplement the more advanced Type 90, the Type 10 has been touted by military analysts as being a capable war machine.

The Type 10's main armament is a 120mm smoothbore auto-loading main gun that was developed specifically for the tank. It can improve either L/50 or L/55 caliber barrels. It is compatible with every form of NATO 120mm rounds, those of the JGSDF, and even the newly created Type 10 Armor-Piercing Fin-Stabilized Discarding-Sabot (APFSDS) round. As the vehicle employs an autoloader, the Type 10 also requires just a crew of three including the commander, the gunner, and the driver. Its armor consists of steel plates, but there is also the option of employing modular appliqué armor that includes a ceramic composite to help counter anti-tank rockets and other ordnance.

The JGSDF currently operates around 130 of the Type 10 MBTs, with the vehicles first entering service in 2012. Due to Japan's constitution, the Type 10 hasn't been offered for export, but Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) continues to produce around 10 tanks for domestic defense. Earlier this year, Tokyo signed a contract for an additional dozen to be produced next year – while longer-range plans call for a total of 300 to be manufactured.

Improving the Type 10 Tank

The Japanese Ministry of Defense is now exploring how to further improve the survivability of the Type 10 from man-portable anti-tank weapons and notably unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It calls for upgrades to the tank, including the installation of an improved active protection system (APS) and added armament in the form of a 30mm gun that could be remotely operated.

As international military analyst firm Janes reported in citing the ministry's notice, "The APS needs to be integrated with sensors to be able to detect anti-tank projectiles, while the RWS should be fitted with an antenna to detect unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)," and added, "Although not confirmed, three APS products are reportedly under consideration by the MoD. These include Rafael Advanced Defense Systems' Trophy, Rheinmetall's StrikeShield, and Elbit Systems' Iron Fist. The RWS under consideration is reportedly the Kongsberg RS6 Protector."

The ministry's notice called for added protection to the "upper hemisphere" of the tank, full 360-degree protection, and total weight "not exceeding 1000 kg." As the Type 10 features a modular design, the newly produced models can receive the enhancements before rolling out of the factory – while those in service can be equipped with the upgrades at a military depot.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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