A new amphibious armoured vehicle is being developed by Japan to replace the US AAV-7A1.

The announcement was made during theIAV 2022(International Armour Vehicles 2022) exhibition.

The demonstration prototype is expected to complete construction in October 2022. The characteristics of the new vehicle are not known, but it should be capable of operating in Sea State 3 and will incorporate an engine with a maximum power of 3,000 horsepower.

Japan maintains 58 AAV-7A1s in service (46 personnel carriers, six command and control and six recovery)