Howa Type 96



The Howa Type 96 automatic grenade launcher (AGL) (96式40mm自動てき弾銃), is a Japanese automatic grenade launcher made by Howa since 1996.

History
With the need of a heavy fire support weapon in Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) service aside from the use of the Sumitomo Type 62 GPMG and the Sumitomo M2HB machine gun, Howa first created and produced the weapon in 1996.

Use
The Howa Type 96 can be used by both infantry and armored vehicles, the former with a tripod and the latter by being placed on a weapon mount.

It is prominently seen as one of the main weapons mounted on the Type 96 Armored Personnel Carrier.

Operational details
On the left side of the Type 96 is a feeding bay where the 40 mm grenades can be loaded onto the AGL.