The Japanese Type 10 Main battle tank (10式戦車 Hitomaru-Shiki sencha) is a 4th generation main battle tank of JSDF produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, Type 10 has been equipped with enhancements in its capability to respond to anti-tank warfare and other contingencies.
The TK-X (MBT-X) project aims to produce the new Type 10 main battle tank, to replace or complement the existing Type 74 and Type 90 main battle tanks that are currently in service with the Japan Ground Self Defense Force. Development began in the 1990s, and production was expected to start in 2010–2011. A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008, at the Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara. Heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities as well as on performance, firepower, protection and mobility.
While the Type 10 Main Battle Tank uses the same size, calibre and type (120 mm smoothbore) gun as most other tanks fielded by NATO, unlike the Type 90 which used the same gun as other Western powers, the gun mounted on Type 10 is completely new. It is indigenously developed by Japan Steel Works for Type 10. Japan Steel Works (JSW) is the same company that for years now has been manufacturing the Rheinmetall L44 120 mm smoothbore gun under licence for the Type 90 MBT. There is an option for longer barrels of 50 and 55 calibres (L50, L55).
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