The New Armed Pistol of the Japan Self-Defense Forces

[Researcher Byungho Park, Mobile Firepower Research Team 2, Defense Technology Quality Institute] The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) unveiled new rifles and pistols at an event hosted by the Ministry of Defense (MoD).

The 5.56mm rifle named Type-20 was manufactured by Howa Machinery, located in Kiyosu City, central Japan, under the name 'Howa' 5.56 rifle. The designation Type-20 comes from the fiscal year 2020 (FY2020), when the JGSDF allocated a budget of 900 million yen (8.36 million USD) to purchase 3,283 units of the new rifle.

In December 2019, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that the Howa 5.56 rifle was selected as the final choice among other candidates, including the Heckler & Koch HK416 and FN Herstal SCAR-L assault rifles.

Although the JGSDF did not specify which performance aspects were enhanced, it stated that the new firearm is more robust and possesses superior firepower compared to the older Howa Type 89 5.56mm assault rifle. Additionally, the rifle features an adjustable stock and cheek rest, and it has high resistance to environmental conditions, including underwater use. Notably, it can be utilized in amphibious operations, which is expected to strengthen defense capabilities of the southwestern Nansei Islands, including the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands?disputed territories claimed by China?located in Okinawa Prefecture.

The JGSDF plans to introduce the new rifle in fiscal year 2021 (FY2021), initially equipping units under the Ground Component Command, including the Rapid Deployment Amphibious Brigade stationed at Aino-ura Base in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, and rapid deployment regiments deployed across Japan.

For the new pistol, the German manufacturer Heckler & Koch’s SFP9 9mm was selected. This pistol was chosen over two other candidates, the Beretta APX and Glock 17. The JGSDF noted that the pistol’s adjustable grip makes it easier to handle compared to the currently operated Minebea P9 9mm pistol.

The JGSDF secured a budget of 20 million yen in fiscal year 2020 (FY2020) to purchase 323 new pistols. Like the rifle, the new pistol is scheduled to enter official service in fiscal year 2021 (FY2021).

Meanwhile, with the introduction of these two firearms, the JGSDF will acquire new weapons for the first time since fiscal year 1982 for pistols and fiscal year 1989 for rifles.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.