The Type 73 Light Truck (New), which began procurement in 1996, was renamed the 1/2 ton truck in 2001, and is still being procured today. It is a 6-seater 4WD vehicle that is often seen as a workhorse of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. It is based on the short wheel of the civilian Pajero (2nd generation), with an extended rear, can accommodate up to 6 people, and can be changed into various forms such as with a removable top and radio.
In 2014, the specifications were changed to move the intercooler to the bottom front, eliminating the intake on the bonnet. This model is called the V17 B model, and this model is still being procured and deployed today.