Japans type 10 MBT Tank
The Type 10 main battle tank, known in Japanese as Hitomaru-shiki sensha, is Japan’s latest generation of armored ground combat vehicles, developed to replace the older Type 74 and complement the more robust Type 90. The design process began in the late 1990s, and it was officially revealed in 2010, entering service in 2012. The tank was developed by the Technical Research and Development Institute of Japan's Ministry of Defense, with manufacturing handled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, a major player in Japan’s defense sector.
This tank was designed with Japan’s unique infrastructure and terrain in mind. Unlike many Western tanks which can weigh over 60 tonnes, the Type 10 weighs roughly 40 tonnes in its base configuration, increasing to about 48 tonnes with full armor and equipment. This relatively lightweight design allows the tank to traverse a greater percentage of Japan’s bridges and mountainous roads, a key logistical advantage in domestic defense scenarios.
The Type 10 has a three-man crew consisting of a commander, a gunner, and a driver. The tank uses an autoloader system, eliminating the need for a loader and allowing a more compact and efficient layout. This autoloader feeds a 120mm smoothbore cannon developed by Japan Steel Works, compatible with standard NATO 120mm rounds but optimized to fire a unique domestically developed APFSDS round. This proprietary shell is made from amorphous heavy-metal alloys, engineered for high velocity, armor penetration, and self-sharpening during impact. The tank carries 22 rounds in the autoloader and additional rounds stored in the hull. Secondary armament includes a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun and a roof-mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun for anti-infantry and anti-air defense.
The fire control system is state-of-the-art, with a C4I (command, control, communication, computer, and intelligence) suite that allows it to operate in fully networked combat environments. The tank can share target data, positioning, and engagement status in real-time with other ground and air assets. The commander and gunner both have access to advanced thermal imaging, laser rangefinders, and a hunter-killer engagement mode where the commander can acquire targets independently of the gunner and automatically hand off engagements.
For protection, the Type 10 uses a modular armor system based on ceramic-composite plates and nano-crystal steel. This modularity allows armor packages to be adjusted depending on mission requirements, whether prioritizing mobility or survivability. The vehicle also incorporates laser warning receivers, smoke grenade launchers, NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection, and an automatic fire suppression system. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has explored adding active protection systems to counter modern threats like guided missiles and top-attack munitions.
The tank is powered by a 22.6-liter V8 diesel engine producing around 1,200 horsepower, coupled with a continuously variable transmission that allows seamless forward and reverse driving at speeds of up to 70 km/h. This transmission system enables the tank to maneuver quickly in confined environments, including rapid retreat without turning. It also features hydropneumatic suspension, which allows it to adjust ride height and tilt the chassis forward, backward, or sideways to improve gun elevation and depression, particularly in mountainous terrain.
The operational range of the Type 10 is around 440 to 500 kilometers, depending on mission load and terrain. Its agility, speed, and integration with digital warfare systems make it a key asset in Japan’s armored forces, well-suited for the country’s defensive doctrine and geographic constraints.
