The Japanese Ground Self Defense Force is looking for a light armoured vehicle – and Toyota Landcruiser and Isuzu Dmax are in the mix. ⬇️
Defense Blog is reporting that the Japanese are taking a good look at commercial options to replace the Komatsu light armoured vehicle. A trial has been commissioned evaluating modified civilian vehicles, including Australian favourites like the Landcruiser and DMAX:
“The vehicles selected for testing will be modified with armor and other protective enhancements, transforming them from commercial designs into platforms capable of operating in high-threat environments. The Ministry expects the evaluation to clarify whether commercial vehicles can meet operational requirements without the high costs typically associated with purpose-built armored vehicles.”
Of note is that specialised military vehicles previously trialled included the Thales Hawkei now in service with the Australian Army. Asian Military Review also reports that Japan has a mix of militarised Mitsubishi Pajeros and a Humvee like Toyota high mobility vehicle that are used for its unprotected tactical fleet. Specialised military vehicles are built for longevity and performance but is the juice worth the squeeze:
“Commercial vehicles do have their place; they are ideal for homeland security, for instance, and a commercial runabout is better than a tactical vehicle in terms of cost and comfort for garrison tasks. Some Asian militaries have followed this route, with Malaysia ordering Weststar GS Cargo utility vehicles and the GK-M1 to replace Land Rover Defenders. Weststar Defence Industries offers military vehicles based on Isuzu, Maxus or Toyota chassis.”
Interestingly Australia recently gifted COTS up armoured Land Cruisers to PNG. Regardless of the superior technical and fleet longevity merits specialised light armoured vehicles may offer, the question remains are we chasing great when good will do? We should also consider how best to scale, particularly in a nation with a large 4WD aftermarket and service networks. When we need thousands more fast will a single factory in Austria or an assembly line in Bendigo be enough?
Food for thought!
📷 via Drive – Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series V8 ‘Dzhura’ in service with Ukraine