Japanese Type 60 APC

Japan’s Type 60 armored personnel carrier was an early domestically produced tracked carrier for the postwar Ground Self-Defense Force. Entering service around 1960, it reflected Japan’s effort to rebuild an indigenous armored-vehicle industry. Its compact layout and machine-gun armament marked it as a troop carrier rather than a later cannon-armed infantry fighting vehicle.

Development drew on experience with American-supplied equipment while establishing local manufacturing capability. Komatsu and Mitsubishi were involved in producing the vehicle family. The carrier’s small size reflected early postwar requirements, but its accommodation and protection were modest compared with later designs. Related vehicles included mortar carriers, allowing the basic platform to support infantry formations in more than one role. The Type 73 and later Japanese personnel carriers represented subsequent stages of development. The Type 60’s history is primarily one of Cold War Japanese defense rather than overseas combat deployments.

Finish and color

Supplied unpainted and printed in the selected color. Choose from the available product color options.

Tabletop use

Suitable for period-appropriate custom scenarios in Global War 1946, Global War 1985, and compatible Axis & Allies games. Use suitable scenario or house rules for unit statistics and any technology upgrades. This piece does not supply additional game rules.

Global War is a trademark of Historical Board Gaming.