A Type 10 tank of Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force at the GSDF's Higashifuji training area in Shizuoka Prefecture in May 2022. Photo: Jiji Press
A shell exploded around 8:40 am, killing the three male GSDF members in their 20s to 40s, according to the GSDF and local fire authorities.
A female member in her 20s was injured but is conscious. She was airlifted to hospital.
The Defense Ministry's Ground Staff Office said that the incident occurred during a drill of the GSDF Western Army's tank unit.
A shell in the turret of a Type 10 tank exploded, and the four members on board the vehicle were caught up in the blast.
No damage has been confirmed outside the training range.
The Western Army and others are investigating details of the accident.
Last August, two GSDF members died due to electrocution caused by lightning during a drill at the Hijudai training area.
