JAPAN GROUND SELF DEFENSE FORCE (JGSDF) TYPE 10

The Type 10 is a modern 3rd generation Japanese Main Battle Tank manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The first prototypes of the vehicle were built around 2000, and serial production started in 2010 continues to this day. Probably 103 tanks of this type in the line were built in the period 2010-2016. The Type 10 is powered by a 1,200 hp eight-cylinder diesel engine. The vehicle is armed with a single 120mm tank gun, 1 7.62mm Type 74 machine gun and 1 12.7mm M2HB machine gun. At the end of the 1990s, the command of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces decided to develop a completely new Main Battle Tank to complement or replace the Type 74 and Type 90 vehicles. It was also decided to adapt it to the specific topographic conditions of Japan, i.e. a densely urbanized area with a large number of hills and mountains . The result was a tank with a relatively low weight (48 tons in combat configuration), hydropneumatic suspension, and a highly advanced FCS (fire control system) and battlefield management system. The Type 10 also features an effective 120mm cannon, high mobility, and powerful composite armor. There is no doubt that the Type 10, despite its lower weight, is on par with Western 3rd generation tanks such as the Leopard 2 or M1 Abrams. Due to the technological advancement, the unit cost of the Type 10 tank is estimated at approx. 8.4 million. dollars by 2014 prices. Type 10 is not currently exported.