Type 89
Summary
| Country | 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Category | Assault rifle |
| Manufacturer | Howa Machinery Company |
Technical specifications
| Type 89 | |
|---|---|
| Fire Rate | 750 rounds/min. |
| Caliber | 5.56 x 45 mm OTAN |
| Magazine | 30 rounds |
| Length | 864 mm (34.0 in) |
| Weight | 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) |
| Range | 450 m (1476 ft) |
Description
The Howa Type 89 assault rifle, officially designated the Type 89 5.56 mm rifle, was introduced into service in 1989 with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to replace the Type 64 battle rifle, which had been in service for 25 years. The development process was led by Howa, leveraging experience from licensed production of the Armalite AR-180. The Type 89 incorporates design features from the AR-18, including a short-stroke gas piston system and rotating bolt, though it does not feature the AR-18's dual recoil springs. Following field testing of prototype rifles derived from the AR-18, designated HR-10, HR-11, HR-13, HR-15, and HR-16, the Type 89 was formally adopted. It has served as Japan's principal service rifle since its introduction, although small numbers of the Howa Type 20 were purchased in 2020 with plans for it to eventually supplement and replace the Type 89.
The Type 89 is chambered for the 5.56×45mm cartridge, which is interchangeable with the NATO standard SS109/M855 round. Japanese-produced ammunition is headstamped with the sakura mark of the Self Defense Forces. The rifle's construction utilizes aluminum and thermoset plastic, which provides a weight reduction compared to the Type 64's steel and wood. Manufacturing methods include forged aluminum, molded thermoset plastics, and stamped steel. Operation was designed to be simpler with fewer parts than the Type 64. Type 89 specific magazines feature a follower designed to hold the bolt open after the last round, a function not guaranteed with M16 series magazines, and include side holes to indicate round count. The selector switch is located on the right side, with positions for "safe", "auto", "3-round burst", and "semi". The 3-round burst feature is built as a separate mechanism. Standard accessories include an integral, removable bipod and a dedicated bayonet that can function as a wire cutter when attached to its scabbard lug. Attachment of the Type 06 rifle grenade or an M203 grenade launcher is possible with an adapter. Rifles deployed in potential combat scenarios saw modifications, including the temporary installation of an ambidextrous selector switch, issue of an unmagnified red dot sight, and the addition of a rail under the handguard for a removable foregrip. A three-point sling was also issued to such units.
The Type 89 exists in several variants.
The Type 89-F, or Type 89 Para, is equipped with a folding stock made from plastic and aluminum alloy, designed to fold to the left side. This variant is issued to specific units requiring a more compact rifle, including paratroopers of the 1st Airborne Brigade, armoured infantry, and crews of the Type 89 infantry fighting vehicle and JGSDF tanks, where it replaced the M3A1 submachine gun.
Under the Advanced Combat Infantry Equipment System (ACIES) development program, prototype versions of the Type 89 have been modified into a carbine format with a shorter barrel, retractable stock, and a rail system.
A full-size ACIES prototype with a standard barrel length, retractable stock, rail system, underbarrel digital interface, and an integrated top-mounted sighting system has also been developed.
Since entering service in 1989, the Type 89 has served as the primary service rifle for the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Its operational use has included armed deployment to Iraq, prompting modifications related to accessory mounting and controls for potentially hazardous environments. While it remains the standard rifle, limited procurement of the successor Type 20 began in 2020.
The Howa Type 89 is the standard issue assault rifle for a variety of forces.
- Japan Self-Defense Forces
- Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team
- Special Assault Team
The Type 89-F variant is specifically utilized by paratroopers, armoured infantry, and vehicle crews within the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.