Type 96

   The Type 96 wheeled armored personnel carrier is the latest armored vehicle produced in Japan. It's production began in 1995. Japan ordered 500 of these APCs and is the only operator of the Type 96. It is not being offered for export due to Japan's laws. As of 2012 Japan operated over 340 of these armored vehicles.

   Vehicle has a low profile and medium armor for it's class. This APC has a crew of two and can carry eight fully equipped troops. The Type 96 is primarily used by infantry units.

   This armored personnel carrier is fitted with E-NBC (enhanced nuclear, biological and chemical) protection system. Vehicle is also fitted with a laser warning device.

   The Type 96 is armed with a roof-mounted 12.7-mm machine gun or 40-mm automatic grenade launcher. Weapons can be fired from within the cupola.

   Troops enter and leave the vehicle through the rear door-ramp or roof hatches. There are two firing ports on each side of the troop compartment. Two more ports are located in the rear of the hull.

   The Type 96 APC is powered by Komatsu diesel engine, developing 360 horsepower. Engine is located at the front of the hull on the left side of the vehicle. Vehicle is fitted with a central tyre pressure system. This armored personnel carrier is not amphibious.

   The Type 96 chassis was used to develop a whole host of variants, including command post vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, 105-mm fire support vehicle, 120-mm mortar carrier, short-range air defense missile system and some other vehicle. To date it is known that only and NBC reconnaissance variant of the Type 96 is currently in service with the JGSDF.