Overview
- The Ground Self-Defense Force said a shell detonated inside a tank during live-fire drills at the Hijudai maneuver area in Oita Prefecture, killing three members and injuring one.
- The exercise involved the Western Army Tank Unit from the GSDF’s Camp Kusu, and four personnel were inside the vehicle at the time.
- Emergency services received a call soon after the blast, and Kusu town officials said the GSDF reported the incident later that morning.
- The unit operates Type 10 main battle tanks.
- No cause has been released, and the deaths add to a series of fatal training incidents reported in 2017 and 2024.