The Type 61 tank (61式戦車, Roku-ichi Shiki sensha) is a main battle tank developed and used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Development started in 1955 and the vehicle was first deployed in April 1961.

The firm soon turned out the Type 61 (61式戦車), Japan's first Main Battle Tank. The original requirements called for a tank small and light enough to be carried by train on standard platforms; but also a maximum of 25 tons, and a 90 mm main gun.

The Type 61 (Japanese: ろくいちしきせんしゃ Kanji: 61式戦車) was a main battle tank (MBT) developed and used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Development started in 1955 and the vehicle was first deployed in April 1961.

Jun 15, 2024 · The quest for achieving a world-class tank all started with postwar Japan’s first domestically produced tank, the Type 61. The Type 61 tank was first tank that matched the physical and operational needs of the JGSDF which had previously relied on hand-me-downs from the US military.

Sep 28, 2024 · The Type 61 main battle tank was the first purely Japanese post war tank, built by Mitsubishi from 1961. The Type 61 was powered by a Mitsubishi 12HM21WT engine with 570 hp. The armament of the...

Type 61 may refer to: Type 61 frigate, a Royal Navy frigate class. Type 61 (tank), a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force tank; Type 61 25 mm AAA gun

The Type 61 was the first Japanese service MBT of the JGSDF, developed on the ST-A series of prototypes to replace the ageing M4A3 (76) and M24 which on top of their age were too large for the average-sized Japanese crew member.

The Type 61 is conventionally laid out, with a central turret and the engine located at the rear of the hull. The tank has a crew of four: a commander, driver, gunner and loader. The hull is welded steel, with a cast steel turret.

May 2, 2019 · Detailing the technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Type 61 Main Battle Tank (MBT) including pictures.

Feb 20, 2025 · It holds a special place in military history as Japan's first post-WWII tank. Designed to meet the needs of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, it was built with a focus on mobility and firepower. Equipped with a 90mm rifled gun, it …