Howa Type 89
Howa Machinery, Ltd. · Assault Rifle · In Production · 1989
Also known as: 89式5.56mm小銃, 89 Shiki 5.56mm Shoju, Type 89
Overview
The Howa Type 89 is a select-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, produced by Howa Machinery, Ltd. This Japanese-manufactured firearm reflects the engineering traditions and quality standards of its country of origin, designed to meet the demands of both civilian and professional users in a competitive global marketplace. The stamped steel frame provides a solid, premium feel with the durability to withstand decades of regular use and thousands of rounds.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3500 g (123.5 oz) |
| Overall Length | 916 mm (36.06") |
| Folded Length | 670 mm (26.38") |
| Barrel Length | 420 mm (16.54") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated Short Stroke |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 30 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 920 m/s (3018 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1693 J (1249 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 500 m (547 yd) |
| Rate of Fire | 750 rpm |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 178 mm (7.01") |
| Number of Grooves | 6 |
| Frame Material | Stamped Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Parkerized |
Calibers
- 5.56x45mm NATO · primary · 5.56mm NATO — also known as 5.56x45mm, 5.56 NATO
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic, Burst 3, Full Automatic
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety Selector, Fire Selector
- Features: Rotating Bolt, Gas Operated Short Stroke Piston, Integral Folding Bipod, Select Fire, Bayonet Lug, Rifle Grenade Capable, Stanag Magazine Compatible, Bolt Hold Open, Stamped Steel Receiver
Variants
- Type 89-F (Para) — Folding Stock
Service history
Operators
- Japan Ground Self-Defense Force · adopted 1989 · as 89式5.56mm小銃
- Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force · as Type 89
- Japan Air Self-Defense Force · as Type 89
- Japan Coast Guard (Special Security Team) · as Type 89
- Special Assault Team (SAT) · as Type 89
Conflicts
- Iraq Reconstruction (JSDF Deployment) (2004-2006)
- UN Peacekeeping Operations (1992-present)
Production
Estimated total produced: 160,000 · Production years: 1989-present
Production exclusively by Howa Machinery Co. for the Japan Self-Defense Forces. Never exported due to Japan's arms export restrictions. Being supplemented by the Howa Type 20 from 2020 onward.
Origin
Country of origin: Japan
Designer: Howa Machinery Co. / Japan Defense Agency
Notes
The reversed fire selector order (safe-auto-burst-semi) is a distinctive feature reflecting Japanese military doctrine that emphasizes controlled fire; the semi-automatic position is the most easily and quickly selected from safe. Around 2003, modifications were made to the Type 89 for the JSDF deployment to Iraq, including the addition of optics mounting brackets and red dot sights to decrease target acquisition time. Some sources list overall length as 864mm, which likely excludes the muzzle device; 916mm is the figure including the flash suppressor. The Type 89 accepts both proprietary 20-round and 30-round magazines as well as standard STANAG magazines. The Type 89 is being gradually supplemented and eventually replaced by the Howa Type 20, first procured in 2020.
Background
The Type 89 is a direct descendant of the AR-18, which Howa manufactured under license from Armalite in the 1960s-70s. When Japan needed a modern 5.56mm rifle to replace the 7.62mm Type 64, Howa drew heavily on their AR-18 production experience. The rifle's fire selector runs in reverse order compared to most Western rifles - from safe to full-auto to burst to semi - a deliberate design choice reflecting the JSDF doctrine that a soldier needing to fire quickly in an emergency should reach full-auto first, while deliberate aimed fire in semi-auto requires the most intentional selector movement. The Type 89 is one of the few modern military rifles that has never been exported to any foreign nation, making it one of the rarest standard-issue service rifles to encounter outside Japan.