Howa Type 96

The , 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 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 belt can be loaded onto the AGL.