Japanese Type 16 Combat Vehicles Receive Additional Anti-Drone Protection

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has reinforced its Type 16 combat vehicles with additional anti-drone protection.

A photo was posted by user @numa227red_wing on the X network.

The combat vehicle, assigned to the 4th Combat Reconnaissance Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division of the Western Army (Kyushu Island) of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, was spotted in a public parking lot during a march.

Upon closer inspection, additional protection can be seen installed on the roof of the turret in the form of a frame structure with a stretched net.

In addition, specialists have installed additional protection for the commander’s panoramic sight. The photos also show the presence of protective elements in the rear of the vehicle.

At the same time, the vehicle’s body has also been equipped with additional protection. However, based on the available photos, it is difficult to determine exactly what type of protection has been installed there.

It is noticeable that a frame has been mounted on the upper front part, onto which either a mesh or a solid metal sheet has been stretched.

In addition, an interesting detail is the use of a metal plate in the engine exhaust area.

This element is probably not a handmade product and is designed to direct exhaust gases along the side of the vehicle, rather than directly from it.

Most likely, this solution was used so that during close interaction, the infantry would not inhale harmful gases and could safely stay near the combat vehicle at a distance of one to two meters.

It should be noted that the Type 16 combat vehicle is an 8×8 wheeled vehicle equipped with a turret with a 105 mm cannon.

As part of the Japan Self-Defense Forces, it is used in mobile companies of rapid response infantry regiments, as well as in combat reconnaissance battalions, where it forms the basis of the units’ firepower. The vehicle has modern communications and communication equipment, which allows it to be used for a variety of tasks.

This is the first time that Type 16 combat vehicles have been equipped with such protection.

Earlier, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the 7th Division and the 71st anniversary of the Higashi-Chitose Garrison, the Japan Self-Defense Forces demonstrated the Type 90 and Type 10 main battle tanks with anti-drone cage armor installed.

This “cage armor” was demonstrated as part of the unit’s independent activities and is not a factory-made product. However, in accordance with the contractual requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Defense, work is currently underway to find the best anti-drone protection options, but the details of these developments have not yet been disclosed.