Ukraine Receives Humvee-Style Toyota Vehicles From Japan in New Military Aid Package

Japan has delivered an undisclosed number of military-grade off-road vehicles to Ukraine, identified as Toyota High Mobility Vehicles (HMV), which are considered functional analogues to the US-made HMMWV, commonly known as the Humvee.

The delivery was confirmed by the Japanese Embassy in Ukraine through an official post on X. According to the embassy’s statement on January 14, 2026, Japan’s Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces agreed to supply 30 vehicles in total, with the final batch of 14 arriving in Poland on January 12, completing the transfer. In addition to the vehicles, Japan also shipped two containers of medical supplies.

The Toyota HMV is a 4×4 tactical vehicle developed in the 1990s to modernize Japan’s military mobility fleet, replacing outdated jeeps and trucks.

Weighing between 2.5 and 3 tons, the HMV can carry up to 10 fully equipped troops or one ton of cargo. Its diesel engine, rated at 150 to 170 horsepower, allows highway speeds of up to 110 km/h.

The platform features a modular design that supports various mission configurations, from personnel transport to mounting weapon systems such as machine gun turrets, anti-tank guided missiles, and light air defense units. The vehicles sent to Ukraine are understood to be soft-top variants, better suited for general logistics than front-line combat roles.

While the standard version has limited ballistic protection, upgraded models exist with reinforced armor and bullet-resistant glass.

The HMV has been used by Japan in training exercises, peacekeeping deployments, and logistical operations. Some demilitarized units have also entered the civilian market or been transferred to other nations.

Earlier, Japan announced it would accelerate the disbursement of $3.9 billion in financial aid to Ukraine, front-loading part of the package to the first half of 2026 to help Kyiv manage expected budget shortfalls, according to Kyodo on December 20.

On the Frontline of Truth

Our reporters risk their lives to show what’s really happening in Ukraine. Your support keeps them safe, equipped, and reporting.

SUPPORT FRONTLINE REPORTS