The 10 Most Advanced Weapons in Japan’s Army (JGSDF) in 2025

Japan has modernized its military with cutting-edge technology and specialized equipment, enabling it to defend its islands and deter potential adversaries. In 2025, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) boasts an arsenal ranging from ultra-modern battle tanks to precise long-range missile systems and intelligent drones. Here’s an overview of the 10 most advanced weapons, ranked from the least to the most formidable.

#10: Type 20 Assault Rifle – Modern Infantry Support

The Type 20 is JGSDF’s new standard rifle, replacing the older Type 89. It is designed for modern combat environments, providing robustness and flexibility. With a corrosion-resistant build, an advanced modular system, and full compatibility with STANAG magazines, the rifle is tailored for troop needs in urban and amphibious operations.

#9: Type 01 LMAT – Shoulder-Launched Anti-Tank

This compact and efficient shoulder-launched missile unit operates on a “fire-and-forget” principle, allowing infantry to combat tanks with great precision. Featuring infrared target-seeking capabilities and the ability to penetrate reactive armor with a tandem warhead, the LMAT is an indispensable tool for mobile units.

#8: ScanEagle UAV – Eyes in the Sky

The ScanEagle is a long-range reconnaissance drone with over 15 hours of flight time, providing real-time information to JGSDF units. It is catapult-launched and requires no runway, making it ideal for rapidly deployable ISR tasks (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance).

#7: Type 19 155mm Wheeled Howitzer – Mobile Artillery Support

This modern wheeled howitzer combines mobility with advanced fire control. It can fire precise GPS-guided munitions and execute quick “shoot-and-scoot” operations, ideal for Japan’s challenging terrain where rapid repositioning is necessary.

#6: Type 03 Chū-SAM – Medium-Range Air Defense

An advanced ground-to-air missile system, the Type 03 Chū-SAM protects troops and key infrastructure from modern aerial threats. Equipped with phased-array radar, it can engage up to 12 targets simultaneously up to 50 km away, filling a crucial role in Japan’s integrated air defense.

#5: Type 12 Surface-to-Ship Missile – Coastal Defense Power

This mobile anti-ship missile is central to Japan’s defense of its numerous islands. With precision guidance, stealthy low-flight, and a range of up to 200 km (with upgrades in progress to reach 1000 km), the Type 12 can effectively repel enemy naval vessels without maritime presence.

#4: Type 16 Maneuver Combat Vehicle – Rapid Firepower

An 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle with a powerful 105 mm cannon, combining mobility and firepower in one. It can be quickly deployed nationwide via road networks and is ideal for island terrain. Its speed and firepower make it a lethal threat to lightly armored opponents.

#3: M270 MLRS – Long-Range Rocket Artillery

The MLRS system can launch both rocket salvos and precision-guided missiles, including ATACMS. It delivers massive firepower over large areas, playing a central role in Japan’s capability to execute deep strikes and halt enemy troop concentrations prior to landings, for instance.

#2: Type 10 Tank – Ground Force Powerhouse

The Type 10 is the cornerstone of JGSDF’s armored forces. It combines high-tech network integration, advanced protection, and immense mobility with a 120 mm auto-loaded cannon. Optimized for Japan’s mountainous and urban terrain, it gives the army’s armored units a clear technological advantage.

#1: AH-64DJP Apache Attack Helicopter – The Ultimate Tank Killer

The Japanese version of the American Apache Longbow is JGSDF’s most advanced and formidable weapon system. Equipped with radar-based targeting, Hellfire missiles, and the capability to attack targets under all conditions, this helicopter functions as a mobile tank hunter. It can swiftly annihilate enemy vehicles and shield Japan’s critical zones against invasion.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.