GSDF's tank forces may be scaled down
SAPPORO, June 24, Kyodo - The Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force's tank forces, which were strengthened chiefly in northern Hokkaido during the Cold War as a deterrent against the Far East forces of the former Soviet Union, are expected to be halved from the peak of about 1,200 vehicles to less than 600 in the near future because the main threats now are seen as ballistic missiles and terrorism.