Japanese vehicle manufacturer Komatsu has announced it will no longer develop new models of its Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), citing slim profit margins.
Komatsu told Jane's on 21 February that it will no longer develop new models of its LAV for the JGSDF. (JGSDF)
A Komatsu spokesperson told Jane’s on 21 January that the company, which stopped manufacturing LAVs in fiscal year 2017, has already notified the Ministry of Defense (MoD) in Tokyo of the decision.
The source said that developing engines for new LAV models under stricter emission control standards has become “too costly”, pointing out, however, that Komatsu will continue producing its nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) reconnaissance vehicles for the JGSDF.