Howa Type 89

The Howa Type 89 Assault Rifle (89式小銃 hachi-kyū-shiki-shōjū), referred to as the type 89 5.56mm rifle (89式5.56mm小銃 hachi-kyū-shiki-go-ten-go-roku-miri-shōjū), is a Japanese assault rifle used by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, the Japan Coast Guard's Special Security Team units, and the Special Assault Team. It was never exported outside Japan due to its strict anti-hardware export policy. It is known in JGSDF service as Buddy. The Type 89 was introduced to replace the Howa Type 64 battle rifle in frontline units. The only variant of the Type 89 that is serving in the field is the Type 89-F rifle, which has a folding stock with the original Type 89 having a solid stock. The former has been referred to as the Type 89 Para. Issued to airborne soldiers, tankers, recon soldiers, armoured infantry soldiers etc.. The folding stock folds to the left side, not to cover the selector lever on the right side. The stock is locked weakly when folded, making it difficult to carry by sling in folded position.