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Japan Approves Largest-Ever Defense Budget
Shinzo Abe’s cabinet has approved a $42 billion defense budget, the largest ever in the country’s history.
By Ankit Panda
January 14, 2015
15 Comments
Japan’s cabinet has approved a 4.98 trillion yen (approximately $42 billion) defense budget, the largest absolute sum allocated for defense in the country’s history. The defense budget marks the third straight year of increased defense spending and represents a 2.8 percent rise over Japan’s previous fiscal year. The change is consistent with other decisions regarding Japan’s defense made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Amid perceptions of an increasingly unstable East Asian region, with growing threats from a rising China and an unpredictable North Korea, Abe is eager to position Japan to practice what he describes as “proactive pacifism.”
In announcing the new defense budget, Japan’s new defense minister, Gen Nakatani, noted that the budget was necessary given the “changing situation” around Japan. ”The level of defense spending reflects the amount necessary to protect Japan’s air, sea, and land, and guard the lives and property of our citizens,” he added. Nakatani additionally accused China of engaging in “dangerous actions” that destabilized the regional situation. Beijing, in a statement released on Tuesday, noted that it “firmly opposed” the Japanese minister’s comments. Nakatani responded to China’s reaction later on Tuesday noting that this comments were based on actions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army over the past few years, including radar locking onto a Japanese Self-Defense Forces ship and conducting dangerously close fly-bys of Japanese and other aircraft. He also noted China’s fast-growing defense budget, which rose 12.2 percent to $132 billion last year.
Under the new budget, Japan will purchase new patrol aircraft, early-warning aircraft, stealth fighters, and amphibious vehicles. These acquisitions will allow Japan to better patrol its relatively large maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and prepare for a potential amphibious conflict. Japanese defense planning in recent years has emphasized amphibious landing operations for a potential island retake scenario. Japan and China remain locked in a dispute over the sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islets in the East China Sea. Japan currently administers the island but China claims them, citing their historical status as Chinese territory before the First Sino-Japanese War.
The announcement of this defense budget could upset the ever-so-slight thaw process that has emerged between China and Japan. This process began in the last few months of 2014, as symbolized by an awkward handshake between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the APEC Leader’s Summit in Beijing. Just before this budget was passed, Chinese and Japanese negotiators met to discuss the establishment of a military hotline to prevent unexpected escalation — ostensibly to prevent an isolated incident or accident from spiraling into a major conflict. Should a hotline be established between Tokyo and Beijing, their ships and aircraft would also agree to share a common radio frequency in the vicinity of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
This new defense budget also anticipates the conclusion of a new set of defense cooperation guidelines for Japan and the United States. After Abe’s cabinet decided to reinterpret Article 9 of Japan’s post-war constitution to permit Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to participate in collective self-defense, the United States and Japan decided to update their defense relationship, emphasizing a more “global” role for the alliance. The United States, in general, is keen to see Japan carry a greater share of the burden of its own defense.
Japan’s increasing defense budgets also come at a time when its military industrial complex is looking to grow. Under Abe, Japan abandoned its post-war ban on selling arms and armaments to other nations. In the past two years, Japan has concluded or is in the process of negotiating defense contracts for arms exports or co-production with a variety of countries, including India, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom.
This record defense budget reveals Abe’s renewed political confidence after his victory in December’s snap election. As The Diplomat noted earlier last month, December’s snap election has left the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a powerful position domestically. Despite growing economic malaise as “Abenomics” fizzles and the country’s public debt balloons, the cabinet felt confident in passing a defense budget that may seem profligate to economists, investors, and businesses.
The Japanese economy contracted 0.5 percent in 2014 and growth is forecast at 1.5 percent for the coming year. In order to successfully navigate this period of economic uncertainty and defibrillate the flatlining Japanese economy, the Abe administration will have to carefully manage public spending. Inevitably, an increase in defense spending will mandate cuts elsewhere or higher taxes for Japanese citizens and businesses.
Shinzo Abe’s cabinet has approved a $42 billion defense budget, the largest ever in the country’s history.
By Ankit Panda
January 14, 2015
15 Comments
Japan’s cabinet has approved a 4.98 trillion yen (approximately $42 billion) defense budget, the largest absolute sum allocated for defense in the country’s history. The defense budget marks the third straight year of increased defense spending and represents a 2.8 percent rise over Japan’s previous fiscal year. The change is consistent with other decisions regarding Japan’s defense made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Amid perceptions of an increasingly unstable East Asian region, with growing threats from a rising China and an unpredictable North Korea, Abe is eager to position Japan to practice what he describes as “proactive pacifism.”
In announcing the new defense budget, Japan’s new defense minister, Gen Nakatani, noted that the budget was necessary given the “changing situation” around Japan. ”The level of defense spending reflects the amount necessary to protect Japan’s air, sea, and land, and guard the lives and property of our citizens,” he added. Nakatani additionally accused China of engaging in “dangerous actions” that destabilized the regional situation. Beijing, in a statement released on Tuesday, noted that it “firmly opposed” the Japanese minister’s comments. Nakatani responded to China’s reaction later on Tuesday noting that this comments were based on actions by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army over the past few years, including radar locking onto a Japanese Self-Defense Forces ship and conducting dangerously close fly-bys of Japanese and other aircraft. He also noted China’s fast-growing defense budget, which rose 12.2 percent to $132 billion last year.
Under the new budget, Japan will purchase new patrol aircraft, early-warning aircraft, stealth fighters, and amphibious vehicles. These acquisitions will allow Japan to better patrol its relatively large maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and prepare for a potential amphibious conflict. Japanese defense planning in recent years has emphasized amphibious landing operations for a potential island retake scenario. Japan and China remain locked in a dispute over the sovereignty of the Senkaku/Diaoyu islets in the East China Sea. Japan currently administers the island but China claims them, citing their historical status as Chinese territory before the First Sino-Japanese War.
The announcement of this defense budget could upset the ever-so-slight thaw process that has emerged between China and Japan. This process began in the last few months of 2014, as symbolized by an awkward handshake between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the APEC Leader’s Summit in Beijing. Just before this budget was passed, Chinese and Japanese negotiators met to discuss the establishment of a military hotline to prevent unexpected escalation — ostensibly to prevent an isolated incident or accident from spiraling into a major conflict. Should a hotline be established between Tokyo and Beijing, their ships and aircraft would also agree to share a common radio frequency in the vicinity of the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands.
This new defense budget also anticipates the conclusion of a new set of defense cooperation guidelines for Japan and the United States. After Abe’s cabinet decided to reinterpret Article 9 of Japan’s post-war constitution to permit Japan’s Self-Defense Forces to participate in collective self-defense, the United States and Japan decided to update their defense relationship, emphasizing a more “global” role for the alliance. The United States, in general, is keen to see Japan carry a greater share of the burden of its own defense.
Japan’s increasing defense budgets also come at a time when its military industrial complex is looking to grow. Under Abe, Japan abandoned its post-war ban on selling arms and armaments to other nations. In the past two years, Japan has concluded or is in the process of negotiating defense contracts for arms exports or co-production with a variety of countries, including India, Australia, France, and the United Kingdom.
This record defense budget reveals Abe’s renewed political confidence after his victory in December’s snap election. As The Diplomat noted earlier last month, December’s snap election has left the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in a powerful position domestically. Despite growing economic malaise as “Abenomics” fizzles and the country’s public debt balloons, the cabinet felt confident in passing a defense budget that may seem profligate to economists, investors, and businesses.
The Japanese economy contracted 0.5 percent in 2014 and growth is forecast at 1.5 percent for the coming year. In order to successfully navigate this period of economic uncertainty and defibrillate the flatlining Japanese economy, the Abe administration will have to carefully manage public spending. Inevitably, an increase in defense spending will mandate cuts elsewhere or higher taxes for Japanese citizens and businesses.
@Nihonjin1051
The Japanese TK-K Type 10 Main Battle Tank
Background
The Japanese Type 90 is a good 3rd generation main battle tank, however Japan is a cluster of nearly 7000 islands! And about 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use.
Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, which means space is at a premium and there are limitations on its transportation network. These are narrow train’s and road that’s can’t cope with vehicles weighting in at over 50 ton’s. This has meant that the Type 90 has only been able to operate on the second largest island (and northernmost) Hokkaidō. The obsolete Type 74 has therefore remained in service and has been the principle MBT for the rest of Japan, with 700 still in service in 2006.
Firepower
Japan Steel Works had licence manufactured the L44 120mm main gun as used on the Leopard 2 and M1A1/A2. The vehicle has retained the same calibre (muzzle & Length) but is believed to be an improved version.
A new Type-III APFSDS has been developed, but its not specified if it’s a tungsten or DU penetrator, however Japan has been licence manufacturing the German tungsten APFSDS, so most likely will be tungsten as the new main gun can fire the existing licence manufactured rounds.
The Type 90’s commanders independent sight had had issues with its line of sight. which was semi-blocked by the gunners sight. The Type 10’s has been raised to give an unobstructed 360 degree view.
Protection
The Type 10 AKA the TK-X, is the replacement of the Type 74, not the Type 90, as the Type 10 is smaller than the 90, so fits on trains and light enough to weight under 50 tons and can be transported on roads by truck. This is achieved by the use of modular armour associated with 4th generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles.
Modular armour are boxes that can be added and removed from the steel surfaces of the skin of a vehicle. The basic box works as a form of stand off armour that prematurely detonates shape charged weapons (HEAT & anti-tank missiles) stringing out the copper jet and reducing its effectiveness. The modules also mean that various ceramics and other tiles can be inserted in the modules and removed with ease, allowing the operator to equip their vehicles with the appropriate level of protection for future threats.
Its these modules and there inserted ceramics that can weight a vehicle down and by removing them and transporting them on a second vehicle, then the Type 10 can weight in under 50 tons. The exact ceramic composition inserted in the modules AKA composite armour is classified.
Thou the vehicle doesn’t have a hard kill anti-tank missile system, it does have a detection system when laser designators, which are used on more lethal tandem charged ATM’s ‘paints’ the vehicle. This triggers the smoke grenade launchers to fire a screening grenade, which deflects/scrambles the laser so that a lock cannot be achieved and the missile cannot be fired.
Mobility
It uses a new 1200hp diesel engine and automatic transmission (gearbox). It uses hydrogas suspension and has a reported top road speed of 70km/h.
Communications and Battlefield Management
Like all Armies, the JDF are going through a digital transformation, with the introduction of a battlefield management system. These networked systems provide real time information of friendly forces and the enemy, as well as receive up to date orders from a higher level of commander on interactive monitors. The Japanese system is known as the “intelligence C4I system”.
Development and Service History
The first prototype was unveiled in 2008 and the only complaint has been the readiness of the intelligence C4I system to participate in field trials. In 2010 Japanese Ministry of Defense ordered 13 of these tanks. These entered service in early 2012. Its expected that 250 to 300 vehicles could be ordered, at a reported cost of ¥700 million per vehicle.
Spec’s
Weight 43.25 tonnes (standard) 48 tonnes (combat)
Length 9.485m
Width 3.24m
Height 2.30m
Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Armour Modular ceramic composite armour.
Main armament 120mm L44 smoothbore, licence built by Japan Steel Works, Ltd
Secondary armament M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun & Type 74 7.62 mm machine gun
Engine 1200hp 8-cylinder Diesel
Power/weight 27 hp/tonne
Transmission Continuously variable transmission (Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission)
Suspension Hydropneumatic Active suspension
Operational range 440km
Top Road Speed Forward 70km/h & Backward 70 km/h
The Japanese TK-K Type 10 Main Battle Tank | TankNutDave
The Japanese TK-K Type 10 Main Battle Tank
Background
The Japanese Type 90 is a good 3rd generation main battle tank, however Japan is a cluster of nearly 7000 islands! And about 70% to 80% of the country is forested, mountainous and unsuitable for agricultural, industrial, or residential use.
Japan is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, which means space is at a premium and there are limitations on its transportation network. These are narrow train’s and road that’s can’t cope with vehicles weighting in at over 50 ton’s. This has meant that the Type 90 has only been able to operate on the second largest island (and northernmost) Hokkaidō. The obsolete Type 74 has therefore remained in service and has been the principle MBT for the rest of Japan, with 700 still in service in 2006.
Firepower
Japan Steel Works had licence manufactured the L44 120mm main gun as used on the Leopard 2 and M1A1/A2. The vehicle has retained the same calibre (muzzle & Length) but is believed to be an improved version.
A new Type-III APFSDS has been developed, but its not specified if it’s a tungsten or DU penetrator, however Japan has been licence manufacturing the German tungsten APFSDS, so most likely will be tungsten as the new main gun can fire the existing licence manufactured rounds.
The Type 90’s commanders independent sight had had issues with its line of sight. which was semi-blocked by the gunners sight. The Type 10’s has been raised to give an unobstructed 360 degree view.
Protection
The Type 10 AKA the TK-X, is the replacement of the Type 74, not the Type 90, as the Type 10 is smaller than the 90, so fits on trains and light enough to weight under 50 tons and can be transported on roads by truck. This is achieved by the use of modular armour associated with 4th generation Armoured Fighting Vehicles.
Modular armour are boxes that can be added and removed from the steel surfaces of the skin of a vehicle. The basic box works as a form of stand off armour that prematurely detonates shape charged weapons (HEAT & anti-tank missiles) stringing out the copper jet and reducing its effectiveness. The modules also mean that various ceramics and other tiles can be inserted in the modules and removed with ease, allowing the operator to equip their vehicles with the appropriate level of protection for future threats.
Its these modules and there inserted ceramics that can weight a vehicle down and by removing them and transporting them on a second vehicle, then the Type 10 can weight in under 50 tons. The exact ceramic composition inserted in the modules AKA composite armour is classified.
Thou the vehicle doesn’t have a hard kill anti-tank missile system, it does have a detection system when laser designators, which are used on more lethal tandem charged ATM’s ‘paints’ the vehicle. This triggers the smoke grenade launchers to fire a screening grenade, which deflects/scrambles the laser so that a lock cannot be achieved and the missile cannot be fired.
Mobility
It uses a new 1200hp diesel engine and automatic transmission (gearbox). It uses hydrogas suspension and has a reported top road speed of 70km/h.
Communications and Battlefield Management
Like all Armies, the JDF are going through a digital transformation, with the introduction of a battlefield management system. These networked systems provide real time information of friendly forces and the enemy, as well as receive up to date orders from a higher level of commander on interactive monitors. The Japanese system is known as the “intelligence C4I system”.
Development and Service History
The first prototype was unveiled in 2008 and the only complaint has been the readiness of the intelligence C4I system to participate in field trials. In 2010 Japanese Ministry of Defense ordered 13 of these tanks. These entered service in early 2012. Its expected that 250 to 300 vehicles could be ordered, at a reported cost of ¥700 million per vehicle.
Spec’s
Weight 43.25 tonnes (standard) 48 tonnes (combat)
Length 9.485m
Width 3.24m
Height 2.30m
Crew 3 (commander, gunner, driver)
Armour Modular ceramic composite armour.
Main armament 120mm L44 smoothbore, licence built by Japan Steel Works, Ltd
Secondary armament M2HB 12.7 mm machine gun & Type 74 7.62 mm machine gun
Engine 1200hp 8-cylinder Diesel
Power/weight 27 hp/tonne
Transmission Continuously variable transmission (Hydraulic Mechanical Transmission)
Suspension Hydropneumatic Active suspension
Operational range 440km
Top Road Speed Forward 70km/h & Backward 70 km/h
The Japanese TK-K Type 10 Main Battle Tank | TankNutDave
I was always intrigued about the Kawasak OH-1.
From the mid-1980s the Japan Defence Agency (JDA), began to consider a successor to the OH-6D light helicopters currently in service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force. It was decided to procure an indigenous type for the scout/reconnaissance roles. In 1992 Kawasaki was selected as prime contractor with 60 percent of the programme, the balance being allocated equally between Fuji and Mitsubishi. The three companies established the Observation Helicopter Engineering Team to develop the programme, on which detailed work began in 1992.
The resulting OH-1, nicknamed Ninja, is a conventional machine that is relatively small and of typical gunship helicopter configuration. Its structure comprises, by weight, 40 per cent carbonfibre-reinforced plastics, and it features a fenestron type tail rotor.
Each crew member has two LCD colour multi-function displays, and the gunner has a head-up display. The mission avionics include a trainable roof-mounted Kawasaki package (forward of the main rotor) with a Fujitsu thermal imager, NEC colour TV camera and NEC laser rangefinder. Protection is enhanced by the installation of an infra-red jammer on the helicopter's spine to rear of the main gearbox.
The first of six prototypes made its initial flight on 6 August 1996, and the first of a possible 150 to 200 OH-1s was delivered to the JGSDF on 24 January 2000. A total of 14 OH-1s has been ordered for delivery by 2001. The JDA may revise the OH-1 to meet its AH-X light attack helicopter requirement. This would probably feature MTR-390 or T800 engines, allowing the introduction of a heavier weapons load and revised mission avionics. The projected designation of the AH-X production model is AH-2.
Kawasaki OH-1 Light Scout and Observation Helicopter | Military-Today.com
Cockpit and avionics
The helicopter accommodates two crew in tandem configuration. The front and rear cockpits house a pilot and a weapons officer/observer. Access is provided through upward-opening on the starboard side. The bullet-proof glass on the cockpit provides all-round visibility for the crew. The cockpits are equipped with armour protection and shock-absorbing seats to enhance crew safety.
"The OH-1 can fly at a maximum speed of 270km/hr."
The pilot cockpit is equipped with multi-function LCD displays, a head-up display (HUD), dual Hands on Collective and Stick (HOCAS) controls and an auto-pilot system. The roof-mounted electro-optical sensor turret houses a Fujitsu forward looking infrared (FLIR), a colour TV camera, a laser range-finder and target designator.
Armament
The wing stub assemblies on either side of the fuselage house four hard-points carrying external stores of 132kg. The hard-points can be armed with a wide range of weapons including a combination of missiles, rocket pods, cannon pods and gun pods. The inner pylons can carry external fuel tanks for extended range.
Engines and landing gear
The OH-1 is powered by two Mitsubishi TS1-M-10 turboshaft engines. Each engine generates a power output of 884shp. The Full Authority Digital Electronics Control (FADEC) system controls the engines.
The non-retractable landing gear of OH-1 includes two main landing gear units extending from forward fuselage and one unit under tail rotor assembly. Each unit is fitted with a single wheel.
Performance
The OH-1 can fly at a maximum speed of 270km/hr. It has a cruising speed of 220km/hr. The service ceiling of the helicopter is 16,010ft. The helicopter has a maximum ferry range of 550km.
OH-1 Ninja Light Observation Helicopter - Army Technology
The prototype is actually exposed in a museum.
Its cockpit
@Nihonjin1051 Any videos/more infos ?
From the mid-1980s the Japan Defence Agency (JDA), began to consider a successor to the OH-6D light helicopters currently in service with the Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force. It was decided to procure an indigenous type for the scout/reconnaissance roles. In 1992 Kawasaki was selected as prime contractor with 60 percent of the programme, the balance being allocated equally between Fuji and Mitsubishi. The three companies established the Observation Helicopter Engineering Team to develop the programme, on which detailed work began in 1992.
The resulting OH-1, nicknamed Ninja, is a conventional machine that is relatively small and of typical gunship helicopter configuration. Its structure comprises, by weight, 40 per cent carbonfibre-reinforced plastics, and it features a fenestron type tail rotor.
Each crew member has two LCD colour multi-function displays, and the gunner has a head-up display. The mission avionics include a trainable roof-mounted Kawasaki package (forward of the main rotor) with a Fujitsu thermal imager, NEC colour TV camera and NEC laser rangefinder. Protection is enhanced by the installation of an infra-red jammer on the helicopter's spine to rear of the main gearbox.
The first of six prototypes made its initial flight on 6 August 1996, and the first of a possible 150 to 200 OH-1s was delivered to the JGSDF on 24 January 2000. A total of 14 OH-1s has been ordered for delivery by 2001. The JDA may revise the OH-1 to meet its AH-X light attack helicopter requirement. This would probably feature MTR-390 or T800 engines, allowing the introduction of a heavier weapons load and revised mission avionics. The projected designation of the AH-X production model is AH-2.
Kawasaki OH-1 Light Scout and Observation Helicopter | Military-Today.com
Cockpit and avionics
The helicopter accommodates two crew in tandem configuration. The front and rear cockpits house a pilot and a weapons officer/observer. Access is provided through upward-opening on the starboard side. The bullet-proof glass on the cockpit provides all-round visibility for the crew. The cockpits are equipped with armour protection and shock-absorbing seats to enhance crew safety.
"The OH-1 can fly at a maximum speed of 270km/hr."
The pilot cockpit is equipped with multi-function LCD displays, a head-up display (HUD), dual Hands on Collective and Stick (HOCAS) controls and an auto-pilot system. The roof-mounted electro-optical sensor turret houses a Fujitsu forward looking infrared (FLIR), a colour TV camera, a laser range-finder and target designator.
Armament
The wing stub assemblies on either side of the fuselage house four hard-points carrying external stores of 132kg. The hard-points can be armed with a wide range of weapons including a combination of missiles, rocket pods, cannon pods and gun pods. The inner pylons can carry external fuel tanks for extended range.
Engines and landing gear
The OH-1 is powered by two Mitsubishi TS1-M-10 turboshaft engines. Each engine generates a power output of 884shp. The Full Authority Digital Electronics Control (FADEC) system controls the engines.
The non-retractable landing gear of OH-1 includes two main landing gear units extending from forward fuselage and one unit under tail rotor assembly. Each unit is fitted with a single wheel.
Performance
The OH-1 can fly at a maximum speed of 270km/hr. It has a cruising speed of 220km/hr. The service ceiling of the helicopter is 16,010ft. The helicopter has a maximum ferry range of 550km.
OH-1 Ninja Light Observation Helicopter - Army Technology
The prototype is actually exposed in a museum.
Its cockpit
@Nihonjin1051 Any videos/more infos ?
xenon54 out
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Japanese Tank looks great. 
Japanese Tank looks great.
Now its time to test it on ISIS scum.
xenon54 out
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Whats the dimension and tonnage of Type 10? I count 5 wheeles on it, seems a little bit small isnt it?
Edit: i saw it in earlier post, 43 t, seems more like a light Tank, whats the reason, Japanese topography?
BoQ77
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The second izumo would be deployed this year?
2 P-3C on patrol.
These pics are so andsome !
------------------------------
@Nihonjin1051 I bet you understand
These pics are so andsome !
------------------------------
@Nihonjin1051 I bet you understand
Japan Plans To Acquire Global Hawks, Adding to Asia's Fleet
![globalhawkpix[1].jpg](https://defence.pk/attachments/globalhawkpix-1-jpg.187756/ "globalhawkpix[1].jpg")
Japan’s Ministry of Defense selected the Global Hawk as well as Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft as part of its Fiscal Year 2015 budget, the manufacturer announced, confirming earlier reports.
Northrop Grumman’s January 18 release did not quantify numbers of aircraft, although previous reports indicate Japan will acquire three Global Hawks through the foreign military sale (FMS) process. Last month, the Air Force awarded the company a $657.4 million contract to supply four RQ-4B Block 30 Global Hawks and support equipment to South Korea, an FMS notified to the U.S. Congress in December 2012. The Air Force expects Northrop Grumman to complete the contract in June 2019.
Japan Plans To Acquire Global Hawks, Adding to Asia's Fleet | Defense: Aviation International News
Japan’s Ministry of Defense selected the Global Hawk as well as Northrop Grumman’s E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning aircraft as part of its Fiscal Year 2015 budget, the manufacturer announced, confirming earlier reports.
Northrop Grumman’s January 18 release did not quantify numbers of aircraft, although previous reports indicate Japan will acquire three Global Hawks through the foreign military sale (FMS) process. Last month, the Air Force awarded the company a $657.4 million contract to supply four RQ-4B Block 30 Global Hawks and support equipment to South Korea, an FMS notified to the U.S. Congress in December 2012. The Air Force expects Northrop Grumman to complete the contract in June 2019.
Japan Plans To Acquire Global Hawks, Adding to Asia's Fleet | Defense: Aviation International News
@Nihonjin1051 Japanese soldiers (with the new body armor) with the French mortar MO-120RT.
The 120 mm 120 2R 2M recoiling rifled mortar system has been developed as a private venture for the export market by TDA (previously Thomson Brandt Armements) and can be fitted to a wide range of vehicles, tracked and wheeled, in the 10 to 15 tonnes class.
The 120 120 2R 2M mm recoiling rifled mortar was developed from 1992 and was first revealed in 1993 with the first complete prototype being shown in 1994. As of mid-1999, volume production of this system had yet to commence.
The system has already been demonstrated in France and Saudi Arabia installed in the MOWAG Piranha (8 x 8) APC; it has also been installed in a Turkish FNSS Defense Systems Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) for trials in Turkey.
The 120 mm mortar and its associated hydraulic recoiling system is mounted on a circular turntable with ball bearing enabling it to be quickly traversed under power through 200° left and right. Elevation and traverse is controlled using a joystick with elevation from 0 to 90°.
When travelling the 120 mm mortar barrel is lowered into the horizontal position and the two roof hatches are closed making the vehicle difficult to distinguish as a mortar carrier.
The complete 120 mm mortar system weighs around 1,400 kg and comprises the rifled mortar barrel, two hydraulic recoil brakes and a bearing mounted base plate. Recoil force on the platform is about 40 tonnes and maximum recoil travel is about 300 mm.
The mortar is ballistically identical to the well known TDA 120 mm MO-120-RT rifled towed mortar which is used by more than 20 countries.
Maximum range using rocket-assisted ammunition is 13 km and maximum rate of fire is 6 to 10 rds/min for 3 minutes and sustained rate of fire is 2 to 3 rds/min.
The system fires the same familiy of 120 mm mortar bombs as the standard 120 mm towed mortar including high explosive (with impact/delay fuze or with proximity fuze), smoke (white phosphorous), anti-armour personnel carrier (with prefragmented body), illumination, cargo (with 20 grenades) and practice (black powder).
These have a maximum range of 8,135 m. The rocket-assisted projectile can be fitted with an impact/ delay fuze or a proximity fuze.
About 40 mortar bombs, charges and associated fuzes are carried with the actual number depending on the chassis used.
A semi-automatic loading device driven by a programmable automatic controller is fitted as standard as is a weapon aiming and pointing system developed by Allied Signal. This comprises a north finder (ring laser gyro), chief or section control display and gunners display unit. A manual back-up mode system is fitted for traverse, elevation and loading.
As an option, a modern location and positioning system (GPS and land navigation system) and fire-control system (ballistic computer and automatic data transmission system) can be fitted.
Army Guide - 2R2M/MO-120-RT, Mortar
-----
The 120 mm 120 2R 2M recoiling rifled mortar system has been developed as a private venture for the export market by TDA (previously Thomson Brandt Armements) and can be fitted to a wide range of vehicles, tracked and wheeled, in the 10 to 15 tonnes class.
The 120 120 2R 2M mm recoiling rifled mortar was developed from 1992 and was first revealed in 1993 with the first complete prototype being shown in 1994. As of mid-1999, volume production of this system had yet to commence.
The system has already been demonstrated in France and Saudi Arabia installed in the MOWAG Piranha (8 x 8) APC; it has also been installed in a Turkish FNSS Defense Systems Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle (AIFV) for trials in Turkey.
The 120 mm mortar and its associated hydraulic recoiling system is mounted on a circular turntable with ball bearing enabling it to be quickly traversed under power through 200° left and right. Elevation and traverse is controlled using a joystick with elevation from 0 to 90°.
When travelling the 120 mm mortar barrel is lowered into the horizontal position and the two roof hatches are closed making the vehicle difficult to distinguish as a mortar carrier.
The complete 120 mm mortar system weighs around 1,400 kg and comprises the rifled mortar barrel, two hydraulic recoil brakes and a bearing mounted base plate. Recoil force on the platform is about 40 tonnes and maximum recoil travel is about 300 mm.
The mortar is ballistically identical to the well known TDA 120 mm MO-120-RT rifled towed mortar which is used by more than 20 countries.
Maximum range using rocket-assisted ammunition is 13 km and maximum rate of fire is 6 to 10 rds/min for 3 minutes and sustained rate of fire is 2 to 3 rds/min.
The system fires the same familiy of 120 mm mortar bombs as the standard 120 mm towed mortar including high explosive (with impact/delay fuze or with proximity fuze), smoke (white phosphorous), anti-armour personnel carrier (with prefragmented body), illumination, cargo (with 20 grenades) and practice (black powder).
These have a maximum range of 8,135 m. The rocket-assisted projectile can be fitted with an impact/ delay fuze or a proximity fuze.
About 40 mortar bombs, charges and associated fuzes are carried with the actual number depending on the chassis used.
A semi-automatic loading device driven by a programmable automatic controller is fitted as standard as is a weapon aiming and pointing system developed by Allied Signal. This comprises a north finder (ring laser gyro), chief or section control display and gunners display unit. A manual back-up mode system is fitted for traverse, elevation and loading.
As an option, a modern location and positioning system (GPS and land navigation system) and fire-control system (ballistic computer and automatic data transmission system) can be fitted.
Army Guide - 2R2M/MO-120-RT, Mortar
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