Type 89



The Howa Type 89 Assault Rifle (89式アサルトライフルhachi-kyū-shiki-asaruto-raifuru? ), referred to as the "type89 5.56mm rifle" (89式5.56mm小銃hachi-kyūshiki-go-ten-go-roku-miri-syōjū? ),[5] [6] is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces,[6] the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units,[6] and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside of Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export laws. It is known in J.G.S.D.F service as Buddy.[6] [7]

It has replaced the Howa Type 64 battle rifle in frontline units.