A shell detonated inside a Japanese Type 10 tank this morning during a firing exercise at the Hijudai training ground in Oita prefecture, southwest Japan, killing three crew members and severely injuring one. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) reported the incident, and Japanese officials are investigating the circumstances leading to the malfunction.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated the initial cause is believed to be a shell detonation inside the tank. "I am deeply saddened and extend my sincerest condolences," she said.

Images from the scene, released by Japanese media, show three Type 10 tanks lined up on an open field. The middle tank had debris scattered around it, and its rear section was collapsed.

The middle Type 10 appeared to be the tank involved in the incident. Anh: ANN News

The Type 10 is Japan's most modern main battle tank, developed in the 1990s and entering service with the JGSDF in 2012. A total of 117 Type 10 units were produced between 2010 and 2022, each costing more than 11 million USD. Typically, this tank has a three-member crew.

A Type 10 tank participates in an exercise in Chiba prefecture in January. Anh: Reuters

The Type 10 tank weighs 44-48 tons and features steel armor and modular composite armor with ceramic components, which can be attached or removed depending on the mission. Its main weapon is a 120 mm smoothbore cannon, developed and manufactured by Japan Steel Works, utilizing an automatic loading system to reduce crew size.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Japan Times)