Japan’s military has launched an investigation after a rare explosion inside a Type 10 tank killed three crew members during training.
The incident took place at the Hijudai training area in Oita prefecture. Officials said a round detonated inside the turret, an event described as highly unusual.
Those killed were Commander Kentaro Hamabe, gunner Shingo Takayama and Sergeant Kozo Kanai, who was overseeing safety during the drill. The driver, who was in a separate compartment, suffered serious injuries.
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has suspended live-fire tank exercises while investigators examine the cause.
Rare malfunction raises concerns
Military officials and analysts say such incidents are extremely rare. Reports suggest the last similar accident in Japan occurred in 1979.
Experts are focusing on several possible causes. These include the ammunition, the tank’s autoloading system and the breech mechanism.
The Type 10 tank uses a 120mm gun and modern systems. Komatsu produces the ammunition, while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Japan Steel Works built the tank.
There have been no previous reports of similar failures in this model, which entered service in 2010.
Military reviews safety and future training
The explosion forced safety panels on the turret to release pressure, as designed. However, the blast still caused significant damage. It also threw a mounted machine gun several metres from the vehicle.
Unlike some battlefield incidents, the tank did not catch fire or trigger further explosions.
Analysts say Japan may consult other countries that operate similar tank systems to understand the failure.
The incident comes as Japan continues to adjust its military focus. Armoured units have increasingly moved to the south of the country in response to changing regional security concerns.
Authorities are expected to continue a detailed investigation before allowing the tank to return to active training.
