The Light Armored Vehicle began to reach Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) units in 2002; lightweight (as its name suggests) and powered by a 160hp liquid-cooled 4-cylinder diesel, this nimble customer can reach speeds of up to 100km/h and even be air-lifted by helicopter if the need arises. From 2004, the JGSDF sent a Humanitarian Assistance Team to Iraq, and experience gained in the field led to a number of upgrades being applied to Light Armored Vehicles for use in the Japanese archipelago. It comes in a variety of specs, tailored to the needs of its unit and whether they require smoke dischargers, 5.56 MINIMI machine gun, etc.
