Compared with other currently-serving main battle tanks in the JGSDF, the Type 10 is better equipped to deal with anti-tank weapons.

A prototype was revealed on February 13, 2008 at the Technology Research and Development Institute (TRDI) in Sagamihara, Japan.

[6] In the early 2000s, the JGSDF recognized a need to field a fourth generation tank in order to compete on a modern battlefield.

C4I (Command, Control, Communication, Computing and Intelligence) capability was considered a high priority in designing the Type 10.

The vehicle's armor consists of removable sections, allowing operators to balance weight and protection depending on the mission profile.

Protection against 120mm kinetic energy penetrators is limited to the front of the hull, turret, and gun mantlet, with the exception of the lower glacis.

[14] It can also fire the JM33 APFSDS (a variant of the German DM33 shell, produced domestically under license) as well as 120mm NATO ammunition.

A M2 Browning .50 caliber machine gun chambered in 12.7x99mm NATO is affixed to a pintle-mount on the roof, and can be crewed by the commander.

The Type 10 tank boasts high mobility, including a backward movement speed of 70 km/h (43 mph).