The news agency does not rule out the possibility of Tokyo sending Type 74 tanks (decommissioned last year) to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The first prototype was manufactured in the late 1960s, with 873 tanks produced until 1988.
In terms of tactical specifications, it is comparable to the Leopard 1, but boasts several unique features, such as hydropneumatic suspension that allows the tank to lie flat on its mount, lower the front or rear of the hull, or tilt left or right. The tank has earned the nickname "the dancing tank" due to its frequent displays of these capabilities in military parades and its exceptional maneuverability.
Despite the technical advantages, the complex design of these tanks requires specialized maintenance, which poses a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces, and a technical infrastructure that may not be readily available on the battlefield.
Main armament:
Main gun : 105 mm (similar to the German Leopard 1 and Slovenian M55S tanks)
Secondary weapons :
M2HB 12.7 mm heavy machine gun
7.62 mm Type 74 machine gun
Fire control system:
✓ Laser rangefinder
✓ Ballistic computer
✗ No reports of thermal cameras
General Specifications:
Power : 750 hp engine
Operational range : 300 km
Front armor : 110 mm
Crew : 4 people
Combat weight : 38 tons