The 2019 Japanese Ground Self Defense Force officially unveiled its new Type 19 155 mm Wheeled Self-Propelled Howitzer (Hitokyuu-shiki-sourin-jisou-155mm-ryuudan-hou) at the defense demonstration at the East Fuji Maneuver Area.
The vehicle is designed to replace its FH-70 towed artillery systems. Procurement of seven at JPY 5.1 billion were included in the 2019 Defense Budget with an JPY4.5 billion (USD42.3 million) for an additional seven in the 2020 line items.
The Type-19 features an L52 155 mm gun as used in the Type 99 tracked self propelled howitzer now mounted on the back of a RMMX MAN HX 8×8 truck chassis. It also incorporates increased automation of many emplacement and laying functions as well as digital networked fire controls.
Compared to the towed FH70, the wheeled howitzer is able to perform rapid shoot-and-scoot tactics to enhance survivability while delivering more responsive and effective fires.
