At DSEI Japan 2023 defense exhibition, the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force also referred as the Japanese army presents the latest variant of its Type 16 MCV Maneuver Combat Vehicle which is an 8x8 armored vehicle armed with one 105mm cannon.
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Japanese army Type 16 MCV 8x8 105mm wheeled armored vehicle at DSEI Japan 2023. (Picture source Twitter account Horstman Group)

DSEI Japan is an offshoot of the main DSEI defense exhibition in the UK event and is held in Japan. The exhibition aims to bring together the defense and security industries in the Asia-Pacific region and showcase the latest technologies, equipment, and systems. The event provides an opportunity for companies to network with key players in the defense and security industry and showcases their products and services to potential customers.

The Japanese defense industry has undergone significant changes since the end of World War II. In the postwar era, Japan was stripped of its military and was prohibited from producing weapons under the terms of its constitution. However, in the 1950s, Japan began to rearm and rebuild its military, and in the 1960s, it began to develop its own weapons and defense technology.

During the Cold War, Japan relied heavily on the United States for its defense, but as the global strategic landscape evolved, Japan sought to develop its own defense capabilities. In recent years, Japan has been investing heavily in its defense industry and has been expanding its capabilities in areas such as missile defense, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and stealth technology.

One of the key factors driving the evolution of the Japanese defense industry has been the changing security environment in East Asia. The rise of China as a military power and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs have increased Japan's sense of vulnerability and urgency to enhance its defense capabilities. In response, Japan has been developing new weapons systems and expanding its defense industry to better defend its territory and interests.

Another factor that has driven the evolution of the Japanese defense industry is the changing political and legal landscape. In 2014, Japan's government lifted a self-imposed ban on the export of military equipment, opening up new opportunities for Japanese defense companies to expand their business overseas. This move has allowed Japanese defense companies to become more competitive and to develop new technologies and capabilities.

The Type 16 MCV Maneuver Combat Vehicle is fitted with a three-man turret armed with one 105mm cannon. (Picture source Tanks. Being tanks.)

The development of the Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle (MCV) began in 2002, with the aim of producing a highly mobile and maneuverable tank to replace the aging Type 90 tank in Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force. The project was led by the Technical Research and Development Institute of Japan's Ministry of Defense, with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as the primary contractor.

Type 16 underwent a series of tests and evaluations before entering service with the Japan Self-Defense Forces in 2018. The vehicle was officially unveiled in 2013, and production began in 2016. It is currently in service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force, with plans to eventually replace all of the Type 90 tanks in the force.

The Type 16 MCV is equipped with a 105mm rifled gun that can fire a range of ammunition types, including high-explosive, armor-piercing, and guided missiles. It also features advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, and thermal imaging sights.

The vehicle's lightweight and highly mobile design allows it to operate in a variety of environments, including urban areas and mountainous terrain. It is powered by a 570 hp. diesel engine and has a top speed of over 100 kilometers per hour.

Overall, the Type 16 MCV represents a significant upgrade to Japan's armored capabilities and is seen as a key component of the country's defense strategy. It is also being marketed for export to other countries, highlighting Japan's growing role as a defense industry player in the global market.