Whereas the Type 90 used the same 120mm Rheinmetall main gun as other Western powers, the Type 10 uses a completely new gun, developed indigenously by Japan Steel Works. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 10 Main Battle Tanks (MBT) Vehicle weight is 40 tonnes in base configuration, 44 tonnes in standard configuration, and 48 tonnes in full configuration (fully equipped).

The vehicle’s armor consists of modular sections, providing the ability to mount varying degrees of protection depending on the mission profile and weight requirements. The Commander’s Panoramic Sight was moved to the right and is located at a higher position than the Type 90, giving the commander a wide range of view. The use of modular components significantly improved the side armor compared to the Type 90. Currently, Japan use three types of main battle tanks including 76 Type 10, 200 Type 74 and 341 Type 90. Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, the Type 10 has been equipped with enhancements in its capability to respond to anti-tank warfare and other contingencies. The Type 10 is a next generation main battle tank produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Japanese Ministry of Defense (BÅei-shÅ) will procure 12 more Type 10 main battle tanks, as part on ongoing efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).

Type 10 tank military parade