Japan's military receives a new rifle and pistol.

Since 1989, the Howa Type 89 rifle has been the standard weapon of the Japanese Self-Defence Force (JSDF). Now it's time to switch. The SCAR-L from FN Herstal, the HK416 from Heckler & Koch, and a new HOWA 5.56 rifle were in the shortlist. The HOWA 5.56 rifle was ultimately chosen. Information is still scarce, but these drawings likely show the different variants. There is a DMR version, carbine, and a standard rifle. It also appears that Japanese HOWA has incorporated elements from the SCAR-L and HK416. The mechanism is likely similar to the AR18 style of the Type 89 rifle. 3,283 rifles were ordered for the year 2020.

A new pistol was also selected to replace the licensed copy of the SIG 220. Once again, there were three contenders - Heckler & Koch SFP9, Beretta APX, and the Glock 17. The SFP9 from HK won, and 323 pistols were ordered for the year 2020.

JSDF Online: www.mod.go.jp/gsdf/english/index.h…