Japan demonstrated its armored vehicle production capabilities with  Komatsu Limited's 8×8 personnel carrier. Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) expects the vehicle to replace current Type 96s. The vehicle is armed with a .50 calibre M-2HN machine gun and 40 mm grenade launcher. Weighing approximately 20 tonnes, 8,4 meter-long vehicle is able to carry 11 troops. Japan spent $41 million for development of this vehicle. The trials will continue until 2019. There has been no information revealed regarding the protection level of the vehicle's armor.