The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has begun equipping its Type 16 combat vehicles with new anti-drone protection solutions, marking the first time this model has received this type of reinforcement.
Images released on social media show a vehicle from the 4th Combat Reconnaissance Battalion of the 4th Infantry Division, based on the island of Kyushu, during a movement in a public area.
The photos reveal the installation of a netted structure over the turret, as well as additional protection for the commander’s panoramic sight and defensive elements at the rear of the armored vehicle. Modifications to the hull can also be observed, although the exact type of material used cannot yet be precisely identified from the available images.
Another detail that drew attention was the presence of a metal plate in the area of the engine exhaust. The component appears to have been designed to direct exhaust gases to the sides of the vehicle, reducing the exposure of infantry to harmful gases during close-proximity operations, thereby increasing the safety of soldiers operating just a few meters from the armored vehicle.
The Type 16 is an 8×8 vehicle armed with a 105 mm cannon and is one of the main fire support assets of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ rapid response and reconnaissance units. The adoption of these protections follows a trend already seen on the Type 90 and Type 10 tanks, which have also received anti-drone cage armor, while Japan’s Ministry of Defense continues to study more effective solutions to counter the growing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems.
Source: Militarnyi | Photo: X @numa227red_wing | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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