Type 87 SPAAG

Development and design

Japan developed the Type 87 as a locally produced close air-defense system for mechanized formations. The vehicle combines a Type 74-derived chassis with twin 35 mm cannon and integrated search/tracking radar. ^{1, 2}

Operational use

The system entered JGSDF service in the late 1980s and has equipped dedicated air-defense companies supporting armored units, especially the mechanized forces in Hokkaido. ^{1, 2}

Role and significance

Type 87 is Japan’s counterpart to systems such as Gepard: a radar-equipped tracked gun platform designed to accompany tanks rather than defend from a fixed site. ^{1, 2}

Sources and further reading

Representative source set used for this profile. Primary image source and reuse terms are listed with the image.

1. Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Type 87 air-defense unit
2. Japan Ministry of Defense kids equipment guide, Type 87

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