A Type 90 tank fires during a live-fire exercise at the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture on the morning of June 7. (©Sankei/Hayato Narita)
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On June 7, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) conducted Japan's largest live-fire drill, the Fuji Firepower Exercise, at the East Fuji Maneuver Area in Shizuoka Prefecture. The annual drill deployed artillery and tanks, as in previous editions, and simulated a scenario simulating defense of outlying islands. It demonstrated a full sequence of operations, from enemy incursion to counterattack.
The exercise also included responses to drones, reflecting their increasing role in modern warfare, as seen in conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Live firing with Type 10 tanks was suspended following an accident in April at the Hijudai maneuver area in Oita Prefecture, in which three people were killed and one person was injured. Older Type 90 tanks were used instead, firing non-explosive training rounds.
Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi inspected the exercise on site. During the drill, personnel used rifles equipped with automatic targeting systems to shoot down incoming drones. Artillery shells were fired in rapid succession at designated targets, striking enemy forces positioned in trenches.
Counterstrike Capability
The GSDF also displayed a launcher used for the Type 25 high-velocity gliding projectile, deployed to the Fuji garrison in Shizuoka Prefecture since March. It forms part of Japan's "counterstrike capability," a concept that allows the Self-Defense Forces to strike enemy bases. However, no live firing was conducted, and footage of launches was shown on screens at the venue.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
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