The Komatsu LAV, first produced in 2002, is used exclusively by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces, and has seen use in the Iraq War. It is built by Komatsu Ltd. Defense Systems Division in Komatsu, Ishikawa, Japan.
It has a passing resemblance to Panhard's VBL, used by the French army.
The Komatsu LAV was developed in 1997 to meet a JGSDF need for an armored wheeled vehicle that could provide armored protection since their Toyota High Mobility Vehicles and Mitsubishi Type 73 Light Trucks were not adequate to provide protection from small arms fire.
It had made its first appearance in Kuwait when JGSDF units had deployed the Komatsu LAV prior to humanitarian operations in Samawa.Komatsu LAV can be armed with the Sumitomo M249 LMG or Sumitomo M2HB 12.7mm machine gun for anti-personnel duties. It can also mount the Type 01 LMAT or a Kawasaki Type 87 anti-tank missile for anti-armored missions.
Komatsu LAVs can also be equipped with an armored turret around the Sumitomo M249 LMG or Sumitomo M2HB 12.7mm machine gun for the machine gunner, a pintle-mounted turret and two Smoke grenade dischargers on the rear sides of the vehicle.
| Komatsu LAV | |
|---|---|
| Type | Light Armored Vehicle |
| Place of origin | Japan |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2002-Present |
| Used by | JGSDF |
| Wars | Iraq War |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 1997 |
| Manufacturer | Komatsu |
| Specifications | |
| Weight | 4500 kg |
| Crew | 4+1 (MG or ATGM gunner) |
| | |
| Main armament | Can mount the Sumitomo M249 LMG or Sumitomo M2HB 12.7mm machine gun. Can also mount the Type 01 LMAT or a Kawasaki Type 87 anti-tank missile. |
| Secondary armament | None. |
| Engine | 4-cylinder diesel 160 hp |
| Suspension | 4x4 wheeled |
| Operational range | 500 km |
| Speed | 100 km/h (Speeds can exceed 70mph) |
