The TK-X main battle tank, also referred as the Type 10, is the latest Japanese development. This new lightweight MBT weights significantly less than other modern battle tanks. It is lighter than the current Japanese Type 90 main battle tank. Vehicle was designed to be lighter in order to comply with the Japanese road laws. The new MBT can be transported on standard commercial trailers. Developing this tank heavy emphasis was placed on C4I capabilities, as well as increased protection, firepower and mobility. Development of the TK-X began in early 2000s, however some of its sub-systems were developed in the late 1990s. Vehicle was first publicly revealed in 2008. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the main contractor of the TK-X. Currently it is one of the most advanced main battle tanks in the world. In 2010 Japanese Ministry of Defense ordered 13 of these tanks. These entered service with the Japanese Ground Self Defense Forces in 2012. It will replace the ageing Type 74 and supplement the Type 90 MBTs. This tank is not available for export customers as far as Japan’s laws do not allow export of military equipment.
The TK-X tank is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun, developed by Japan Steel Works. This company also license-produces the Rheinmetall 120-mm / L44 gun for the Type 90 MBT. The TK-X is fitted with an autoloader, located in the turret bustle. Its automatic loading system is more advanced than on its predecessor. The TK-X main battle tank fires newly developed armor-piercing ammunition. It is compatible with all standard 120-mm NATO ammunition.
Secondary armament consists of coaxially mounted 7.62-mm machine gun and a roof mounted remotely controlled 12.7-mm machine gun.
The TK-X tank was designed with asymmetric warfare in mind. A great emphasis was placed on protection against RPG rounds. Vehicle has a sloped modular ceramic composite armor similar to the Leopard 2A5. Side profile is similar to the Leclerc. Damaged armor modules can be easily replaced in field conditions. Add-on armor can also be removed to reduce combat weight to 40 tonnes for ease of transportation. This main battle tank is also completed with NBC protection and automatic fire suppression systems. Its smoke grenade launchers are coupled to laser warning receivers.
Advanced fire control system enables vehicle to engage stationary and moving targets. Other features of the TK-X include digital battlefield management system and navigation system for rapid coordination and increased situational awareness.
The TK-X has a crew of three, including commander, gunner and driver.
Vehicle is powered by a V8 diesel engine, developing 1 200 hp. Light weight and a powerful engine give an impressive power to weight ratio of 27 hp/ton. It is coupled with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Because of such transmission this MBT can go reverse at full speed of 70 km/h. The TK-X main battle tank is also fitted with a state-of-the-art semi-active hydro-pneumatic suspension. The tank can “sit”, “stand”, “kneel” or to “lean” in any direction. This feature gives a number of advantages. Some tanks will be fitted with a front-mounted dozer blade.
