JGSDF to acquire additional Type-19 SPHs and Type-16 MCVs

Tokyo will procure seven more Type-19 155 mm/52 calibre wheeled self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) and an additional 33 Type-16 Mobile Combat Vehicles (MCVs) this fiscal year (FY 2020) as part on ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

The new long-range Type-19 SPH, which is integrated into an 8×8 MAN tactical military truck and has a crew of five, is being gradually rolled out to the JGSDF to replace the service’s ageing fleet of FH-70 towed artillery systems, said the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo in its latest ‘Defense Programs and Budget of Japan’ report, the English-language version of which was released in late March.

The MoD said it has secured JPY4.5 billion (USD42.3 million) to acquire seven Type-19s after procuring an equal number of the systems in FY 2019 for JPY5.1 billion.

The move comes after the MoD’s Acquisition, Technology, & Logistics Agency (ATLA) said on its website that it had taken delivery of five Type-19 prototypes from local manufacturer Japan Steel Works by late May 2018.

One of these prototypes was unveiled to the public during the ‘Fuji Firepower’ exercise carried out from 22–25 August 2019.

Meanwhile, the MoD revealed that it has also secured JPY23.7 billion to acquire 33 Type-16 MCVs, after ordering a total of 22 of these vehicles in FY 2019 for JPY16.1 billion. Including the latest procurement announcement, the JGSDF has placed orders for a total of 142 Type-16s since FY 2016.