List of modern equipment of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
陸上自衛隊 (Rikujō Jieitai)


Command
Ground Staff Office
Components
Northern Army
North Eastern Army
Eastern Army
Central Army
Western Army
Central Readiness Force
JGSDF Reserve
JGSDF Reserve Candidate

The following is a list of modern equipment currently in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

Uniforms

Name Used by Notes Period used
Camouflage patterns
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. Copied by China in its Experimental PLA Woodland Flecktarn Camouflage. 1970s–1990s (still in limited use in 2014)

Type II Flecktarn camouflage		 Currently used by the JGSDF, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan National Defense Academy cadets, and JASDF Air Rescue Wings Pararescuemen. Second domestically designed pattern. As in the case of the Type I has been copied by China. 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 Flecktarn 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） have 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 troop where 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 Flecktarn camouflage		 JGSDF International Peace Cooperation Activities Training Unit, JGSDF Central Readiness Force Recently adopted by the JGSDF for Middle Eastern deployments. This camo is a desert version of the JGSDF's flectarn 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

(See also List of military clothing camouflage patterns [Asia A-M])

Other equipment
JSDF standard Personal protective equipment (also known semi-officially as Type 00) NBC suit. Produced by Toyobo in cooperation with Nikko research co., Ltd.
  • Type 66 helmet- It has now been mostly 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 – Japanese version of Kevlar PASGT helmet replacing Type 66 helmet.
  • Combat Underwear Type 2 – A khaki flame-resistant T-shirt, usually issued only one(each soldier has to purchase his own underwears) and mainly used for ceremonies etc.
  • Helmet Liner, Type 2 – Used for light duty *current army regulation requires each soldier to wear gloves, a helmet and sleeve unrolled during light/heavy duties and field training
  • Fulton MX991/U Flashlight – Used as "Signal Equipment" in Recon troops.
  • Combat Loading Set – "戦闘装着セット”, issued in the troop where the soldier is assigned
  • Combat Underwear Type 2 – A khaki flame-resistant T-shirt, usually issued only one(each soldier has to purchase his own underwear) and mainly used for ceremonies etc.
  • Cold-Weather Combat Uniform Inner (Under) – A long-sleeved shirt and matching pants, made from thin synthetic fabric, often referred to as "カエル (frog)" from the fabric's fluorescent green
  • Cold-Weather Combat Uniform Inner (Outer) – Acryl sweater and matching pants, comes with a buttoned collar which is worn folded, often referred to as "バッタ (grasshopper)" from its color
  • Cold-Weather Combat Uniform Middle Layer – Often referred to as "宇宙服 (spacesuit)" from its shiny and bulky appearance
  • 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). Despite of the fact that the item is a cold-weather jacket, the camo version somehow contains hemp fabric, and is hoodless. Since the cold-weather combat jacket is warmer, rarely used in many troops.
  • Combat Rainwear – The same item is issued as personal item(not as Combat Loading Set) but with a different name(Compact Rainwear Type 3), often mocked as "Shimitex(soak-tex)" or "Nisetex(sham-tex)", due to the poor water-proof coating which disappears after several use
  • 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
  • Combat Bullet-Proof Vest – Storaged as weapon, instead of personal belonging, introduced in 1992. Comes with ammo pouches which aren't used to prevent damaging. In some troops Type 2 bullet-proof vest and/or Type 3 bullet-proof vest are issued .
  • Type I Combat Rations – Can-meshi (canned type ration packs)[1]
  • Type II Combat Rations – Pack-meshi (boiled in bag type ration packs)[1]
  • Name Tags – Unlike the new rank/skill insignias (in green shade of the current camo), usually the name tags are in OD of Type 65 Work Uniform. Since the army regulation doesn't mention about the name tags, each unit has its own regulation for the tags. Therefore, the layout, length, font, letters (Japanese or Latin alphabets), place of wearing, how to attach the tag (either sewing or using velcro) etc. vary. Some troops do not use name tags for winter jackets.
  • Tracksuits and running shoes – The recruits are demanded to buy their own tracksuits and a pair of running shoes, upon the enlistment. There is a uniform code called "ジャー戦 (Jaasen, literally jersey and combat uniform)”, which is composed of combat jacket, combat cap, trackpants and sneakers. This uniform code is often used in the boot camp for jogging, eating in canteen or going to bath, since it's easy to identify the name and the troop of the recruits. Any trackpants and sneakers are permitted for the code, for instance, it is possible to wear the following items: Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Superstar trackpants etc.
  • 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, each soldier has to buy it by him/herself. 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.
  • 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..

See also: Field Ration – Asia

  • Survival Ration Pack – (Emergency rations for aircrew, etc. Also used by ASDF & MSDF.)[1]
  • Training Rations – (commercial style perishable food/drink items used in exercises, on base, and when supplying civilians at PR events or during disaster relief)[1]
  • MCW/LRP ration – Japanese produced equivalent
  • Personal protective equipment (Type 00)

Infantry weapons

Name Type Origin Notes Picture
Guns
Standard issue
SCK/Minebea 9mm Pistol Semi-automatic pistol Made under license by Minebea Used with a leather holster or Safariland leg holster.
Minebea 9mm Machine Pistol Machine Pistol Made by Minebea
Howa Type 89 Assault rifle 5.56×45mm NATO Made by Howa. Standard issue to front line units. A folding stock version is in production for soldiers who require a more compact rifle (including airborne, tank troops, mortars, recon troops etc.).
Howa Type 64 Battle rifle 7.62×51mm NATO Made by Howa. Second line troops only, being replaced by the Type 89.
Sumitomo MINIMI 5.56mm Machine Gun Light machine gun Made under license by Sumitomo, standard squad machine gun.
NTK/Sumitomo Type 62 machine gun General purpose machine gun 7.62×51mm NATO 　 Made by Sumitomo. Still used for infantry support as a Medium machine gun. Also used in vehicle-mounted roles.
NTK/Sumitomo Type 74 In-vehicle machine gun In-vehicle machine gun 　 Made by Sumitomo
Sumitomo M2 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun Heavy machine gun 　 Made under license by Sumitomo. Copy of Browning M2.
M24 Sniper Rifle Sniper Rifle Made by Remington Arms. Standard sniper rifle of US Armed Forces, also used by reconnaissance sniper teams.
Howa Type 64 Sniper Rifle Sniper Rifle Made by Howa. Adaptation of standard Type 64 rifle. No longer used as sniper rifle, still used extensively as infantry marksman's rifle.
Howa Type 96 40mm Automatic Grenade Launcher Automatic Grenade Launcher 　 Made by Howa
Type 06 rifle grenade Rifle grenade Made by Daikin
M67 series fragmentation grenade Hand grenade Produced under license by a domestic concern (Daikin?). Still in at least limited service, including training and reserve units.
M18 Claymore mine Directional fragmentation Anti-personnel mine (Command activated) Licensed production by?
　Howa 84RR Recoilless rifle 　 Made under license by Howa (had been imported from 1978 to 1984, Japanese-made ones can be distinguished by a darker green color).
　Nissan/IHI Aerospace 110mm LAM Anti-Tank rocket launcher 　 Made under license by Nissan/IHI IHI Aerospace
Special forces
　H&K USP Semi-automatic pistol 　 Only Japanese Special Forces Group.
　H&K MP7 Machine pistol 　 Only Japanese Special Forces Group.
　M4 carbine Assault rifle 　 Only Japanese Special Forces Group.
FN SCAR[2] Assault rifle Only Japanese Special Forces Group
Made by FN Herstal.
Heckler & Koch G36[3] Assault rifle Only Japanese Special Forces Group
Made by Heckler & Koch
HK417[3] Battle rifle Only Japanese Special Forces Group
Made by Heckler & Koch
　M203 grenade launcher grenade launcher 　 Only Japanese Special Forces Group.
M72 LAW (Light Anti-Tank Weapon) Anti-Tank rocket launcher (Disposable) Used by 1st Airborne Brigade, WAIR, and Japanese Special Forces Group.
M32A1 multi-shot grenade launcher Grenade launcher Only known to be in use with WAIR.
Mortars
Type 96 Heavy mortar (RT 120mm Mortar) Heavy mortar 430 built under license with the ordnance by howa
L16 81mm Mortar mortar built under license with the ordnance by howa
Hirtenberger M6C-210

(60mm mortar)

 Light Mortar
Howitzer
FH-70 Towed Howitzer Howitzer 480 built under license with the ordnance by Japan Steel Works

Missiles

Anti-tank, anti-ship missiles

Surface-to-air missile

Vehicles

Name Type Quantity Notes Picture
Armoured vehicles
Type 10 Main Battle Tank Main battle tank 103 built by Mitsubishi
Type 90 Main Battle Tank Main battle tank 341 built by Mitsubishi
Type 74 Main Battle Tank Main battle tank 250 in reserve built by Mitsubishi
Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle wheeled tank destroyer 69 (30 on order) built by Mitsubishi
Type 89 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Infantry fighting vehicle 68 built by Mitsubishi
Type 82 Command and Communication Vehicle[5] Command and Communication Vehicle 231 built by Komatsu. To read a review of a US vehicle with the same function see: M1130 Commander's Vehicle.
Type 87 Reconnaissance and Patrol Vehicle Reconnaissance vehicle 111 built by Komatsu
Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle 47 built by Komatsu
Komatsu Light Armored Vehicle Light armored vehicle 1818 built by Komatsu
Type 73 Armored Personnel Carrier Armored personnel carrier 338 built by Mitsubishi
Type 96 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier[6] Armored personnel carrier 365 built by Komatsu
Type 92 Mine Clearance Vehicle (not to be confused with Type 92 mine roller (attachment to multiple vehicle types – see below)). Mine Clearance Vehicle – Equipped with a MCLC system. ? built by Nissan Motor Aerospace division (pre-2000)/IHI Aerospace Co., Ltd./Hitachi
Bushmaster Protected Mobility Vehicle Infantry mobility vehicle 8[7]
Assault Amphibious Vehicle (AAV7A1 RAM/RS) Armoured personnel carrier 58
NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Reconnaissance Vehicle 17(33 on order) built by Komatsu
Artillery
Type 99 155 mm Self-propelled Howitzer Self-propelled artillery 111 built by Mitsubishi/Japan Steel Works
Type 99 Artillery Support Vehicle Ammunition resupply vehicle built by Hitachi
M270 MLRS Multiple rocket launcher 99 built under license with the ordnance by IHI AEROSPACE
M110 Self-propelled Howitzer Self-propelled artillery 91 built under license with the ordnance by Japan Steel Works and Komatsu
Type 87 Artillery Support Vehicle Ammunition resupply vehicle built by Hitachi
Type 96 120 mm Self-propelled Mortar Self-Propelled Mortar 24 The nickname as the Gottohanma. Built by Hitachi/Howa[8]
Type 87 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun 52 built by Mitsubishi

Other vehicles

JGSDF Toyota High Mobility Vehicle in 2017
Type 92 mine roller
JGSDF Middle range Multi-Purpose missile system
  • Combat Engineer Vehicle
  • Type 91 AVLB (Armored Vehicle Launched Bridge)
  • Hitachi Type 73 Artillery tractor
  • Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Truck (Well equipped with an air conditioner and FM radio)
  • Toyota Type 73 Medium Truck
  • Isuzu Type 73 Heavy Truck
  • Commercial grade trucks, e.g. Isuzu Forward (Used for peacetime/rear line tasks only)
  • Ford Ranger
  • Toyota High Mobility Vehicle
  • Honda XLR250R Reconnaissance motorcycle
  • Kawasaki KLX250 Reconnaissance motorcycle *Some are repainted in OD from the commercial green version
  • Morooka ShizaiUnpansha (small tracked truck/materials carrier)
  • Field Cooking Unit 1 – Mobile field kitchen, usually in the form of a well equipped trailer. Proved very useful during the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku disaster. The latest version, being introduced into service from 2012 onwards, is the Mark 22.
  • M1A1 "Rear Car (cart)" – Used for carrying 102mm rounds for M2 Mortar. Other "Rear Cars (man-powered cart)" are widely used for various purposes, although they aren't officially introduced.
  • Type 92 mine roller – Developed from 1988 onwards, accepted and received its Type designation in 1992 (causing some potential confusion with the Type 92 Mine Clearance Vehicle, see main Vehicles section). Incorporates electronic as well as mechanical mine countermeasures. Can be used by a wide range of GSDF vehicles, including the Type 74/Type 90/Type 10 MBTs, the Type 89 IFV, and the Type 87 SPAAG.

Aircraft

The JGSDF operates 497 fixed-wing and rotary aircraft (2014).[9]

Name Role Type Number[9] Notes Photo
Fixed-wing aircraft
Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey V/STOL military transport aircraft V-22B Block C 17 on order[10]
Beechcraft Super King Air Utility and Liaison LR-2 7 One lost on May 15, 2017.[11]
Mitsubishi MU-2 Utility and Liaison LR-1 2
Helicopters
Boeing AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter AH-64DJP 12 13 built by Fuji. One crashed on 5th February 2018.[12]
Bell AH-1 Cobra Attack Helicopter AH-1S 88 Built by Fuji
Kawasaki OH-1 Scout Helicopter OH-1 38 Up to 112 on order. Replacing the OH-6D fleet.
OH-6D Scout Helicopter OH-6D 106 Built by Kawasaki. Being slowly replaced by the Kawasaki OH-1.
Boeing CH-47 Chinook Transport Helicopter CH-47J
CH-47JA		 58 Built by Kawasaki
UH-60 Black Hawk Transport Helicopter UH-60JA 34 Most built by Mitsubishi
Bell UH-1 Utility Helicopter UH-1H
UH-1J		 153 Built by Fuji. To be replaced by a version of the Bell 412 EPI.[13][14][15][16]
Enstrom 480 Trainer helicopter TH-480B 12 8 on order.
Eurocopter EC 225 VIP Helicopter EC 225LP 3 Replacing the AS332L[17][18]
UAVs
Fuji FFOS & Fuji FFRS Recon UAV Small helicopter UAV. Primarily used as a forward reconnaissance platform for field artillery.[19][20]
Boeing Insitu ScanEagle Recon UAV 1 Delivered by Insitu Pacific[21]
Yamaha R-MAX Recon UAV Small helicopter UAV[22]
Honeywell RQ-16 T-Hawk Surveillance UAV Apparently in service in some numbers with the Central Readiness Force. Used primarily for hazardous area reconnaissance (e.g. radiation survey).

Historic, retired or reserve equipment

Small arms
JGSDF soldiers in Type 65 work uniforms prepare to fire M31 HEAT rifle grenades during training.
Other equipment
Type 66 helmet
Tanks
Artillery
Anti-tank guided missiles
  • TATM-2 ('Heavy' Anti-Tank Missile, in the same class as the Australian Malkara. Likely procured in very limited numbers.)
  • Type 64 Anti-Tank Missile (Also known as ATM-1, or more commonly KAM-3D. Relatively small stocks still held in reserve)
Anti-aircraft guns
Other armored fighting vehicles
  • Type 60 Armoured Personnel Carrier[25] (Also known as SU 60. A few examples modified late in life as KAM-3D ATGM carriers may still be in reserve.[26])
  • M20 Armored Utility Car (A number of examples delivered to the NPR along with a few older M8s)
  • Type 67 Armored Engineering Vehicle (Prototype [known as SD] created from the conversion by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries of a M4A3E8 in 1962, with production examples to be new build vehicles based on the Type 61 chassis. Planned procurement from 1967 onwards was precluded by financial constraints, however.)
Light and Utility Vehicles
  • Willys MB (Transferred from U.S. Army stocks at the time of the National Police Reserve.)
  • Mitsubishi Jeep J2 (Inherited from National Safety Forces.)
  • Toyota Jeep BJ (Developed to NPR requirement, first 298 examples delivered to National Safety Force in 1953 as its 'official patrol car'. Further procurement for the NSF curtailed. Note: Jeep BJ direct ancestor of Toyota Land Cruiser.)[27]
  • Toyota/Nissan 3/4 ton truck (In service from 1950s to 1970s.)
  • Toyota 2FQ-15 (FQ-10 ?) 4×4 truck (Inherited from NPR. Reportedly based on the Dodge M37.)[28]
  • Toyota FQ-15 (known to U.S. Army as HQ-15) 6×6 heavy duty truck[29]
  • Rikuo Type 97
  • Harley-Davidson WLA (From U.S. Army Stocks, likely in relatively limited numbers but not confirmed.)
Aircraft

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Ration Packs for Japanese Forces Japan Security Watch
  2. ↑ http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/gmcc/hoto/hkou/14hk113.pdf
  3. 1 2 http://www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/gmcc/hoto/hkou/14hk093.pdf
  4. ↑ ja:12式地対艦誘導弾 Japanese Wikipedia entry on the Type 12 SSM, Accessed 9 July 2013.
  5. ↑ Category:JGSDF Type 82 (CCV) Wikimedia Commons
  6. ↑ ARG. "Type 96 Armored Personnel Carrier". Military-Today.com. Retrieved 2011-05-11.
  7. ↑ Kerr, Julian (24 May 2018). "Japan takes delivery of four more Bushmaster vehicles". IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. Retrieved 28 July 2018.
  8. ↑ Type 96 entry in the Self-Propelled Howitzers section at Deagel.com
  9. 1 2 "World Air Forces 2014". Flightglobal.com
  10. ↑ https://theaviationist.com/2017/08/26/here-is-japans-first-v-22-the-first-osprey-tilt-rotor-aircraft-for-a-military-outside-of-the-u-s/
  11. ↑ (in French)http://www.avionslegendaires.net/2017/05/actu/crash-dun-beechcraft-lr-2-japonais/
  12. ↑ https://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20180205-00050042-yom-soci
  13. ↑ Donald, David Fuji and Bell Working Together for UH-X July 12, 2017 AI Online Retrieved February 22, 2017
  14. ↑ Bell Helicopter Congratulates Fuji Heavy Industries on Japanese Ministry of Defense UH-X Contract Award September 2, 2015 Bell Helicopters Retrieved February 22, 2017
  15. ↑ FHI UH-X (Bell Model 412EPI) Military Troop Transport Helicopter / Support Gunship Military Factory Retrieved February 22, 2017
  16. ↑ UH-X Multipurpose Helicopter Global Security Retrieved February 22, 2017
  17. ↑ "Eurocopter Canada – News 04/07/06". Eurocopter.ca. Archived from the original on 7 May 2011. Retrieved 11 May 2011.
  18. ↑ EADS Press Release – Japan Defense Agency Received First EC225 In VIP Configuration For The Japanese Emperor’s Royal Flight Service Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine.
  19. ↑ GSDF Fuji School 57th Open Day 2011 [Part Two] Japan Security Watch, 21 August 2011
  20. ↑ "Fuji FFOS (Japan), Unmanned helicopters – Rotary-wing – Military". Jane's Information Group. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  21. ↑ Insitu Pacific Delivers ScanEagle UAS for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force – Insitu.com, 14 May 2013
  22. ↑ "Yamaha RMAX (Japan), Unmanned helicopters – Rotary-wing – Civil". Jane's Information Group. Retrieved 2011-08-10.
  23. 1 2 Licensed by Howa.
  24. ↑ Small number of M3s are held in reserve by various JGSDF special forces units.
  25. ↑ Type 60 Armoured Personnel Carrier (Military-Today.com)
  26. ↑ The World Worlds – Weapons Database Type SU 60
  27. ↑ The rise of the Land Cruiser (Go4x4.eu)
  28. ↑ 2FQ-15 The Old Land Cruiser Company website
  29. ↑ http://www.brian894x4.com/MilitaryFQ15.html Toyota FQ-10 / FQ-15 / HQ-15 (195?-196?), MILITARY TOYOTAS
  30. ↑ Fuji LM-1 Nikko kamov.net
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