Tragic Accident: 3 Japanese Self-Defense Force Members Killed in 10式 Tank Explosion

Jang Yun-woo | 2026.04.22

Translation result [AFP]

[Herald Economy=Jang Yun-woo] — A shell detonated inside the turret of a Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Type 10 tank during a live-fire exercise, killing three crew members and critically injuring a fourth.

Kyodo News and the Defense Ministry said the blast occurred at about 8:40 a.m. on the 21st at the Hijudai training area in Oita Prefecture. All four crew members aboard the tank were harmed; three were killed, and the fourth suffered facial burns but remained conscious.

The tank involved was a Type 10, one of the SDF’s newest main battle tanks. The Ground Self-Defense Force has launched an investigation into what caused the shell to detonate.

According to Kyodo, the unit taking part in the exercise belongs to the Western Army’s tank unit based at the Kusu Town garrison in Oita. At the time of the accident, the tank’s crew comprised a commander, gunner, loader and driver.

Ground Self-Defense Force chief Masayoshi Arai held a press conference at the Defense Ministry in Tokyo that afternoon. He apologized to local residents and the public for the alarm caused by the incident and announced the establishment of an accident investigation committee.

The Hijudai training area, which spans Kusu Town and Yufu City, is the largest SDF training ground in western Japan and is also used for joint exercises with U.S. forces. Authorities reported no civilian casualties.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted on X (formerly Twitter) that she is “deeply saddened,” offered condolences to the families, and vowed to determine the cause and strengthen safety oversight. The Self-Defense Forces continue to investigate the incident.