Know your allies. Japanese Ground Self Defense Force Armored Vehicles.

Note:  The JGSDF's collection of armored vehicles isn't widely known outside of the circle of military professionals, armor enthusiast and hobbyist.  That's a pity because they have some of the finest kit in the world, and the underrated Type 90 can be considered the Leopard 2 of the East.

Type 90 MBT.

Type 87 Recon Vehicle

This vehicle intrigues me.  I'm definitely going to find out more.

Type 89 Wheeled Armored Personnel Carrier

It should be noted that the Japanese are in the midst of a pretty impressive upgrade of their armored forces and especially their armor.

The Type 90 is about to be supplemented in service by a new, lighter tank.  The Type 89 is set to be replaced with a dedicated wheeled infantry fighting vehicle, and the Type 87 is going to be replaced too.  Not shown are the wheeled mortar carriers and those are due for replacement...and that ignores what is being done for the Navy (traditionally the service that receives the most funding) and Air Force.  Not mentioned but still important are the AAVs on order, the potential buy of V-22s and the rumor that not only are they buying F-35As but considering adding F-35Bs to the wish list.

All photos via Geocities.Jp/Pinealguy