The Japanese defense ministry is investigating a turret explosion that killed three crew members inside a Type 10 tank during maneuvers. Experts state that such an internal detonation is extremely rare, and the investigation must determine the cause before the tank can return to service.

A turret explosion that killed three Japanese crew members inside a Type 10 tank during manoeuvres earlier this week has caused shock and confusion in military circles. Japan’s defence ministry and experts concur that a round detonating inside a tank turret is virtually unheard of and the cause of the accident will need to be traced before the Ground Self-Defence Force’s (GSDF) newest and most advanced tank can return to training. An analyst suggests the investigation will look closely at...