Type 19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer

The Type 19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer (19式装輪自走155mmりゅう弾砲, Hitokyuu-shiki-sourin-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) is Japanese wheeled self-propelled gun. The vehicle is designed to replace Japan's inventory of FH70 towed howitzers.

Type 19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer
Type 19 prototype
TypeSelf-propelled howitzer
Place of originJapan
Service history
Used by Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Production history
Designed2011
ManufacturerJapan Steel Works
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
No. built5 prototypes
Specifications
Length11.4 m
Width2.5 m
Height3.4 m
Crew5

Caliber155 mm

Main
armament
155 mm/52-calibre
Secondary
armament
None

Development

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In 2011, the Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) evaluated a proposal to develop a vehicle capable of networking with other systems and performing shoot-and-scoot tactics to replace the FH70.[1] The MOD's evaluation finished in 2012 and requested 6.4 billion yen be invested into the development of the vehicle in the FY 2013 defense budget; with development and testing occurring between 2013 and 2016.[2] Research and development of the 155 mm wheeled howitzer was granted in the FY 2013 defense budget, although the budget was lowered to 1.4 billion yen.[3]

On 31 May 2018, the Acquisition, Technology & Logistics Agency (ATLA) received 5 prototypes from Japan Steel Works for testing and evaluation.[4]

Seven wheeled howitzers were procured for training purpose in the FY 2019 defense budget for a total of 5.1 billion yen.[5]

The artillery was officially unveiled in the 2019 East Fuji Maneuver Area.[6]

Design

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The vehicle features an L52 155 mm gun mounted on the back of an 8x8 truck chassis.[4] Compared to the towed FH70, the wheeled howitzer is designed to be mobile and networked to a Firing Command and Control System, which receives targeting information from artillery observers.[7]

According to the FY 2013 defense budget request, the wheeled howitzer features the barrel part used on the Type 99 155 mm self-propelled howitzer and body of a heavy wheeled recovery vehicle to reduce development cost.[8] The truck chassis is a RMMV HX 8x8 military truck.[6]

Operators

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Current operators

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  Japan
Orders:
  • 7 ordered with 2019 budget[9]
  • 7 ordered with 2020 budget[9]
  • 7 ordered with 2021 budget[10]
  • 7 ordered with 2022 budget[11]
  • 16 ordered with 2024 budget[12]
Future orders:
  • 14 planned to be ordered for 2025[13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "2011 prior business evaluation evaluation list Development of fire fighting vehicle (Full Text)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  2. ^ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List Development of fire fighting vehicle (Full Text)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  3. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2013 Budget" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). January 2013. pp. 10 & 27. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  4. ^ a b "装輪155mmりゅう弾砲(試作品)". Ministry of Defense (Japan). Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  5. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2019 Budget" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). December 2018. p. 14. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Japanese army unveils its new Type 19 155mm 8x8 wheeled self-propelled howitzer". Army Recognition. 24 August 2019. Retrieved 2 September 2019.
  7. ^ "2012 Preliminary Business Evaluation Evaluation List Development of fire fighting vehicle (Reference)" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). 2012. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  8. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2013 Budget Request" (PDF). Ministry of Defense (Japan). September 2012. p. 11. Retrieved 6 August 2019.
  9. ^ a b "JGSDF to acquire additional Type-19 SPHs and Type-16 MCVs". Janes.com. Retrieved 2024-01-04.
  10. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan Overview of FY2021 Budget (page 49)" (PDF).
  11. ^ "Defense Programs and Budget of Japan - Overview of FY2022 Budget (page 49)" (PDF).
  12. ^ https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20240607a.pdf
  13. ^ Felstead, Peter (2024-09-09). "JGSDF calls for numerous AFVs within Japanese MoD's largest ever budget request - European Security & Defence". euro-sd.com. Retrieved 2024-09-09.