2. Japan’s Type 10 Tank
Producer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Inc.
Main Users: Self-Defense Forces of Japan
Program Expense: $894,500,000*
Unit Cost (FY2014): $8.4 million*
The Japanese military already has plans to use this next-generation combat tank as its main tank. Mitsubishi, a rival to Toyota, produces the Type 10 through its military-focused subsidiary, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Type 10 has significantly improved over previous tanks in the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force, especially in its ability to counter-tank warfare.
Shutterstock/Viper-Zero: Mitsubishi Type 10 MBT, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
The Type 10 can travel around 311 miles on an operational range. The Type 10 makes use of a brand-new weapon that was created in Japan. The extended barrel of the Type 10 is capable of 50–55 calibers. The new cannon can fire NATO ammunition (the normal 120mm) as well as JM33 APFSDS mortars.
Turkey has expressed interest in purchasing Type 10, but Japan has been hesitant to do so. Turkey attempted to license tank engine agreements in 2014, but talks with Japan fell down totally. The agreement fell through in a matter of months. Turkey’s own military objectives and Japan’s strict export regulations for weapons were contributing factors to the failure.
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