The Japanese Light Armored Vehicle (LAV) was designed by Komatsu in the late 1990s. It entered service with Japan's Ground Self Defense Forces in 2002. More than 1 000 of these scouts cars were built . Japan is the only operator of this armored vehicle.

Generally the Komatsu LAV can be compared with the Panhard VBL. Vehicle has a welded steel armor. It is claimed that it's armor protection is better than that of uparmored HMMWV. Some armored scout cars are fitted with unordinary roof-mounted shielding. An opened split roof hatch provides added protection from both sides.

The Komatsu LAV can be armed with 5.56-mm, 12.7-mm machine guns or anti-tank guided missiles.

This 4x4 vehicle is powered by a diesel engine, developing 160 hp. Engine is moved closer to the vehicle's center to distribute weight more evenly between the axles. It is fitted with run-flat tyres. This armored scout car can be carried underslung or inside some military helicopters. It can be also airdropped from transport aircraft using parachute platform.