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Atokara

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Everything posted by Atokara

  1. FIrst clear look at the Hawkei and Eagle that Japan has been trialing.
  2. Not thermals, but similar. Type 74s viewed through PVS-14 NVG.
  3. https://www.patriagroup.com/newsroom/news/2023/patria-and-japan-steel-works-ltd-signed-manufacturing-license-agreement-for-patria-amv-xp-vehicles An "upset" kinda? Most people were expecting Hitachi to produce the AMV XP as a kick start to their defense sector, but it turns out JSW will be the ones handling the licensed production. Still interesting as this could promote JSW to start working on vehicles besides the Type 19 instead of just AFV/artillery guns. Also many people were expecting the Type 19 to switch from the JSW produced MAN chassis to the Mitsubishi HWR this year, but it won't happen with the likely reason that the HWR chassis would put the Type 19 over the 26t capacity of the Kawasaki C-2.
  4. Even more info about the MAV comes out. This time what appears to be an advertisement video for it in English. Perhaps Mitsubishi is planning on exporting the vehicle. One thing I did notice in the video is that the basic seats can be swapped out for suspended mesh ones which the previous poster complained the MAV didn't have. Maybe it was because he was a driver and was complaining about the driver's seat, but it seemed like he was complaining about the dismount seats as well. Regardless it will be interesting to see if MHI tries to offer the MAV as an export vehicle since it wasn't selected by Japan.
  5. A little update on the situation. Apparently that info wasn't entirely cleared for release because the tweet is now unavailable along with the guys account. Still the info is already out so hard to scrub it from the internet now.
  6. We now a bit more info on the Mitsubishi vs Patria WAPC replacement from one of the test drivers. The performance advantage previously stated has to deal with the differential lock on both vehicle. The MAV only had a front and rear diff lock while the AMV had diff lock on all axels which gave better performance in off-road conditions. For those who don't know the MAV design and concept predated the MCV by a few years as the Common Tactical Wheeled Vehicle. From what I can tell this was changed between the MAV and MCV as this complaint was never raised about the MCV. In terms of crew comfort The MAV had much more room for dismounts, but the seats were less comfortable. It was easier for the driver to get in and out of the Patria. The emergency fire suppressant switch was in an inconvenient place and was accidentally triggered during testing on the MAV. The MAV was much louder in the drivers area, but it was partially because ear pro was accidentally forgotten when procuring supplies for the drivers. After ear pro was provided there were no issues, but he notes that the MAV was too loud without anything, but noted that the crew would always have earphones during operation. In the posters opinion and my speculation, it seems like Mitsubishi kind of half-assed the competition. They put forward an old design and didn't bother properly adapting it to the competition the design wasn't really adapted based on feedback. It seems like Mitsubishi just put forward the design they already had just to fill out the domestic design requirement without any expectations to win. The poster thinks that MHI could have easily created a clean sheet design to directly counter the AMV based on talks with some of the engineers, but the higher ups didn't put in the expected effort for such a competition. On the other hand Patria was well prepared for the competition and very accommodating to the testing staff with plenty of spares (which didn't need to be used since both designs had an almost non-existent failure rate). IMO where Mitsubishi just put forward a design for the sake of putting forward a design Patria went all out in an attempt to win. On one hand I don't entirely blame Mitsubishi. After Komatsu pulled out of the competition MHI was picked to replace them as the domestic design. On the other it's a shame that they just put a design forward without fully committing to the competition as one would expect out of a company like MHI. My hope is that the MoD will get Hitachi more into the defense business with the new grants and safety nets and take some of the weight off of MHI in the absence of Komatsu.
  7. https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA06ABB0W3A600C2000000/ A new bill was approved and enacted on June 7th to increase production and allow exports of defense equipment. The Japanese government will subsidize the expansion of production lines as well as subsidizing efforts to adapt existing equipment to foreign specifications. The bill will officially take effect on October 1st with the 1st customer likely to be Ukraine as a video of Ukraine's intelligence chief with a Japanese and Ukrainian flag in the background was released with the comment to "Stay tuned" just a few days after the bill was passed.
  8. Big news recently. The reconnaissance version of the ICV has been seen yesterday and Japan has agreed to transfer 100 vehicles to Ukraine. The vehicles include the 1/2t truck, HMV, and Materials Carrier. While all will be "unarmed" upon delivery all readily accept weapons up to 50 cals on mounts and the Material Carrier can tow howitzers. https://twitter.com/rockfish31/status/1660353734193577984?t=M6eBmsMnFdmHlaOVQTlmRg&s=19
  9. https://www.asahi.com/articles/ASR4X5W45R4XULFA00B.html This is pretty big for Japan especially in terms of potential exports. For the longest time many companies didn't move into the export market because it was seen as risky and not very profitable. Now the government will support efforts for exports during the development process and also modifying existing equipment to match foreign specifications. There a new drive to keep companies in the defense market and providing a safety net for companies that previously saw endeavors as risky. This could incentivize the creation of defense centered companies as well as all of Japan's defense contract companies do it as a side to their primary markets.
  10. It could be related to TERRA NINJA which was a Mitsubishi HP suspension system for the Bradley NG. Either another collab between the two, but that's just a guess based on the name used. I assume it is the case since the TERRA NINJA was just an MHI design, so it would be strange for BAE to be the one to take over that naming convention on a solo project.
  11. DSEI 2023 kicks off today and the first thing I spotted was MHI's CUAV laser mounted on the first MAV prototype. A similar system was shown at Kawasaki's booth, but it seems to be only a mockup
  12. The ICV was spotted again a few days ago this time with an updated turret face. Style seen back in November Updated turret face I've seen some speculation on twitter that the box next to the gun is an ATGM guidance device similar to the one on the Type 89. On the old style it was just a placeholder mock up, but on the new style it has the proper mounting points to accommodate a sight.
  13. A little summary of what went down. Both systems met the basic requirements of protection and performance required of the program. We don't know the specific scores of both systems so it's unknown which categories each system won. The Patria AMV was a much better value than the MAV which was one of the main reasons why it was picked. As for performance, the AMV's mine protection is one of the biggest factors as well. The MAV and Type 16 both have V hull add on plates, but are not purpose built so the AMV is much better in that category. Now to the specifics. On top of the AMV being a better value, another suspected reason why it was picked was to have other companies producing vehicles. MHI is already committed to producing the Hawkei under license, the Type 89 replacement and possibly the CTWV program. Alongside that, the JSDF has been rapidly arming in the last few years and the AMV would be much quicker to production which seems to be the trend the MoD wants. The AMV contract will likely be given to another company to relieve MHI production lines and maintain other companies production lines. While not specifically a requirement, the amphibious capability of the AMV is also another thing that was alluring for the AMV. While the MAV would've been really convenient for a vehicle family, it's not all bad news for the AMV. The AMV replaces the Type 96 and the Type 82 CCV 6x6, so it reduces those systems into a single 8x8 platform which is still an improvement. Contrary to what I've been seeing posted a lot, the AMV is not part of the CTWV program which is the armed ICV, RCV, and mortar system posted above. The AMV is just a new WAPC for the entirety of the JGSDF which means that Type 16 commonality isn't as important. The CTWV is only for the RDR and Recon units already using Type 16s which makes the family more valuable. So far there is no plans for any competition for that program as the platform commonality is seemingly so important there that competition wont be considered. However there was a request for companies to sign up for unmanned turret research. There is no guarantee that this is specifically for the AMV, but there is a distinct possibility. A competition could potentially happen for the CTWV, but it's unlikely. I more see it that the JGSDF wants to have organic IFV capability inside of normal units operating the AMV and will act as an army wide IFV rather than the recon/RDR specific CTWV. The AMV is a good platform, but hopefully Japan gets favorable production rights such as modification and exporting. I know with some past AMV sales, the modifications countries would make would be considered Patria intellectual property. I trust that Japan made the right choice on this one.
  14. As part of the major defense reforms going into effect next year it seems like the LDP wants to reduce the barrier to entry for defense contractors. The government plans on building factories for the production of defense equipment that they will own. The factories will then be staffed by private contractors to build the equipment to try and reduce the production costs. This will also reduce hesitancy of companies to enter defense contracting as they won't have to build their own production facilities or modify existing production lines for the civilian sector. https://www.bloomberg.co.jp/news/articles/2022-12-02/RM77IAT0G1KW01
  15. Since Brazil's 8x8 program is wrapping up I thought I would talk about the VBC-CC which will involve Japan that has little to no coverage outside of Brazil. There is basically nothing in terms of Japanese or English sources. So back in 2019 the head commander of the Brazilian army traveled to Japan the look at some Japanese weapons systems, but primarily the Type 10 and Type 16. https://web.archive.org/web/20190821132735/https://www.defesanet.com.br/br_jp/noticia/33633/Comandante-do-Exercito-Brasileiro-em-viagem-oficial-ao-Japao-visita-escola-que-prepara-Forcas-Blindadas-Japonesas/ The Type 16 wasn't possible for VBCAC-MSR as it was conducted before Japan's relaxation of weapons exports. However the succeeding MBT program is taking place in 2023 and so the Commander recommended these specifications for the future MBT program https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/brazilian-army-releases-requirements-for-its-new-mbt-project The requirements for the program basically eliminates every MBT besides the Type 10, one special vehicle and arguably the T-84-120, but that doesn't feature the required low recoil gun. But then the requirements go further and even eliminate the Type 10 and T-84 with a 4 man crew requirement. This leaves only 1 maybe 2 options. https://caiafamaster.com.br/exercito-do-japao-visita-a-guarnicao-de-santa-maria-com-propostas-de-parcerias/ Just last year a delegation from the ATLA went to Brazil to evaluate Brazilian vehicles and discuss technology transfers. "'As part of our national defense strategy, we are challenged to seek solutions. In this sense, the Japanese Army is very open to interaction and technology transfer', evaluated General Ribeiro." The biggest thing to note is that they evaluated the Osorio during that time which is essentially the only MBT that qualifies under the released specifications. The current options seem to be a modified Type 10 to accommodate 4 crew members, new MBT co-developed by both countries, or an updated Osorio using Japanese electronics, JSW cannon and, Japanese armor from the Type 10. I see the upgraded Osorio as the most likely candidate, but it will be interesting to see where this program goes now that it will start to pick up some steam.
  16. A small look at the updated test model of the Mitsubishi AAV Compared to the old prototype it is much larger including the crew compartment and is much closer to the final size.
  17. The Northern Army just held the 7th division Tank Shooting Competition a few days ago. Type 90s and Type 10s from the 7th Division Northern army directly competed against each other. The 2nd Division and 5th Brigade also participated, but was not earn placements as this was a 7th division event. A total of 144 tanks and 450 soldiers participated in the competition. Events included shooting perpendicular firing of 2 tanks with 2 stationary tanks supporting, marching firing, and stationary firing all taking place >2km. Gunnery was scored using the 120mm and 7.62mm cannon. During the competition points are added for each target hit, missed targets don't count, and during movement drills if a tank is out of position the target wont appear at all and score is deducted. Bonus points are additionally awarded if all targets are hit during a segment. The maximum number of points that can be awarded without bonus points is 1000, but that has seemingly caused an issue this year. The 72nd regiment frequently scored 100% accuracy in sections racking up bonus points and finished with a total score of 1270/1000 (Really the total score of 1000 just ignores bonus points and exceeding it was always a possibility). The more shocking part is the 72nd regiment exclusively operates Type 90s. It was a clean sweep of Type 90s though the competition at company and platoon levels, however a Type 10 platoon from the 2nd division also scored over 1000 points when counting bonus points, but was not included in placements. The overwhelming victory of the 72nd regiment is attributed to the 72nd regiment being the most frequent unit to travel overseas to the Yakima Training Grounds and National Training Center in the US to participate in live fire events alongside their US counterparts. https://mainichi.jp/articles/20221028/k00/00m/040/257000c https://trafficnews.jp/post/122605 4K video of the competition
  18. I already said in my original post: The Javelin has a ceiling of 150m and Northrop Grumman stated the M320LF has a 2km lethality range against class 2 UAS systems with it's proximity fuse.
  19. Barely produced in any meaningful numbers. Not man portable or even crew serviceable. Not a Javelin equivalent in any form. Also the idea that Russia would be capable of conducting helicopter operations in a conflict with the US is a hilarious notion in and of itself. A kornet with a new body kit. Still not man portable and I don't think with the new guidance system it will be crew serviceable. We haven't even seen the thing fired before. All we have to go on is the company claiming it's top attack, but these company claims have been proven to be marketing speak with no actual weight behind them. Here is the Kornet's "claimed simultaneous guidence" missing with the first missile and hitting the barrel with a second missile. https://www.reddit.com/r/TankPorn/comments/wre8lc/boomerang_k17_88_ifv_prototype_firing_a_30_mm/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3 Most of the flight path of these missiles is spent during its flight stage at high altitude on a simple sustainer booster which gives ample time for intercept. If you consider that the majority of targets a Javelin would be used against are a higher price tag than the missile, then its a worthy investment. The war in Ukraine has shown the value of how weakly armored the tops of tanks are when drones are dropping mortar shells and mission killing vehicles. Russia has shown an incapability to make a Javelin equivalent because there is certainly a desire as LooSeR pointed out, but they are incapable of miniaturizing such a system for man portability. Lol no they don't. That boomerang firing 2 beam riding missiles at the same target and missing one of them is the current pinnacle of Russian ATGM mass production. Now here is a half decade older system that can fire up to 6 F&F missiles simultaneously all at different targets and actually hit each one Russian ATGMs are decades behind.
  20. The difference being that Russia is incapable of making a Javelin equivalent and the Chinese equivalent is of questionable quantity and quality. There is also the chance that the RWS can act as a point defense system as top attack missiles are typically slower than most other ATGMs with a much longer flight time.
  21. More pictures and videos An interesting thing is that there is an iron vision-esque sensor cluster sitting over the left shoulder of the driver on the IFV.
  22. The MCV based IFV has finally been spotted in the wild
  23. Japan should be selecting between the AMV XP and MAV very soon. In the preliminary request, there was a request for 29 vehicles of either type to begin replacing the Type 96. The winner of the program will have to be decided too before the budget request is sent out because they need to know the unit cost to know how much to request.
  24. https://grandfleet.info/middle-east-afria-related/mitsubishi-electric-is-discussing-radar-exports-with-egypt-but-the-bottleneck-is-us-approval/ Japan is looking at another potential sale of the J/FPS-3 after the Philippines. The primary issue here is that Japan is reluctant to sell their JADGE software with the system, and instead wants to sell the US NTDS which is where the bottleneck comes from. This was not an issue in the PH case because part of the sale was Japan having monitor access to the systems they sold, so also including JADGE was beneficial. PH is also one of the nations with tech transfer agreements in place with JP while Egypt does not.
  25. I think it will especially with the deal Poland is looking at. Poland will receive full rights to the K2 including manufacturing, modification and sales. This would give Norway another local parts distributor once their factory is established along with the potential to work with Poland on future K2 support.
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