Japanese Type 19 wheeled self-propelled guns to be tested in the UK with VULCANO shells

The Japanese Ministry of Defense will test Type 19 wheeled artillery systems with VULCANO shells in the UK.

The relevant document on the tests was published by the country’s Ministry of Defense.

The tests will be conducted at the QinetiQ test site in Aberport, Wales, which will allow this type of projectile to be integrated into the fire control system of Japanese artillery systems.

During the tests, VULCANO 155 GLR shells developed by the Italian company Leonardo S.p.A. will be fired to confirm their compatibility and test additional equipment.

It should be noted that as part of strengthening its own artillery capabilities, Japan placed an order with Italian company Leonardo in September 2024 for the purchase of high-precision VULCANO 155 mm shells with a semi-active homing warhead.

In December 2024, it was reported that Japan had received the first batch of shells of that type and that work on their integration would begin shortly.

Since the shell has a semi-active homing head and is guided by a laser beam, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has begun developing a special quadcopter drone that carries the appropriate targeting equipment.

According to the specifications, the maximum flight range of the drone is no more than 10 km, and its size allows it to be used by any soldier. The drone can be transported in a bag.

The drone will also be able to guide L-JDAM guided munitions used by F-2 fighter jets.

The Type 19 wheeled artillery systems were developed using the expertise of Japan Steel Works. The gun section of the new self-propelled gun is taken from the Type 99 tracked self-propelled artillery system, which received a 155 mm 52-caliber gun with a fully automatic loading system, while the Type 19 uses a simpler shell and charge feeding system.

In total, the Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to purchase more than 300 of these artillery systems, thereby completely replacing the FH-70 towed guns. Along with the purchase, work is underway to reorganize the units.

The most notable change was the elimination of artillery batteries and divisions within divisions and brigades equipped with FH-70s and the transfer of 155 mm artillery to separate regional artillery units.