Type 10 (Japan)
In the world of modern military equipment, the Japanese forces often get overlooked. This is, in large part, because the Japanese military is designed as a defensive force and its products are not exported as US and Russian equipment is. Nonetheless, the Japanese have produced a new and rather sophisticated MBT in the shape of the Type 10. Classified as an advanced third-generation or next-generation tank, the Type 10 (aka TK-X) entered service in 2012. Compared with Japan’s previous tanks, the Type 10 is a huge step forward in mobility, firepower and protection.
The vehicle is armed with 120mm smoothbore gun, similar to the Leopard 2, and is loaded with an automatic loading system to keep the crew at just three people. The tank is protected by a very advanced material called nano-crystal steel which is triple the hardness of regular steel. Additional composite armor modules add to the already powerful protection. The latest sensors, battlefield management systems and sights give the crew of this tank a high level of battlefield awareness in comparison to many other tank systems.
