Japan finds likely cause of Type 10 explosion that killed 3 soldiers

Japanese investigators suspect residue from an earlier shot triggered the April 21, 2026, explosion in a Type 10 tank that killed three soldiers and seriously injured a fourth at the Hijudai training area in Oita Prefecture. Investigators believe material left in the barrel reacted when the crew loaded another 120 mm high-explosive anti-tank round. The breech was reportedly open at the time, allowing the blast to enter the turret during the live-fire exercise. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force plans to release its findings as early as the end of 2026.