An explosion inside a Type 10 tank during a live-fire exercise in Oita killed three soldiers and left another seriously injured, prompting an investigation by Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
An explosion inside a Type 10 tank, the most advanced armored vehicle in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, left three soldiers dead and one serviceman seriously injured during a live-fire exercise at the Hijudai maneuver area in Oita Prefecture.
The accident happened at around 8:40 a.m., while the crew was taking part in training with live ammunition. According to Japanese authorities and reports published by the local press, a shell is believed to have detonated prematurely inside the vehicle’s turret.
The victims were identified as Sergeants Kentaro Hamabe, 45, Shingo Takayama, 31, and Kozo Kanai, 30. A fourth serviceman was rescued in serious condition after the blast.
The case drew major attention because it involved the Type 10, the main battle tank currently in service with the Japanese Army. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the model entered service in 2012 and is considered one of the country’s most modern land warfare systems, with a focus on mobility, protection, and response capability in high-intensity scenarios.
The armored vehicle is equipped with a 120 mm gun developed by Japan Steel Works and can fire different types of ammunition, including Type 10 APFSDS rounds, JM33 APFSDS rounds, and standard 120 mm NATO ammunition. In total, the vehicle carries up to 36 rounds distributed between the autoloader, ready storage, and reserve storage.
Japanese military authorities have opened an investigation to determine what caused the explosion. Among the issues to be examined are a possible ammunition failure, a malfunction in the autoloader system, or procedures adopted during the training exercise.
Source and images: JGSDF | Wikimedia
