Tragic Blast at Japanese Military Drill: Mystery of Exploding Shell

A shell explosion inside a Type 10 tank during a Japanese military exercise in Oita resulted in the deaths of three soldiers, with another injured. The accident has led to the suspension of live-fire drills using Type 10 and Type 90 tanks as investigations are underway.

An unfortunate incident unfolded during a Japanese military exercise in Oita on Tuesday when a shell detonated inside a Type 10 tank, resulting in the deaths of three soldiers and injuring another, officials disclosed.

The explosion transpired within the gun turret of the tank, where the commander, gunner, and a safety officer were performing a live-fire exercise. The fourth person, the driver, survived but suffered injuries. The accident has prompted the suspension of live-fire drills involving Type 10 and Type 90 tanks pending an investigation.

Masayoshi Arai, Chief of Staff of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force, emphasized the urgency in determining the cause to implement preventive measures. Type 10, Japan's latest main battle tank, has been in deployment since 2011.