Japan Suddenly Holds Military Exercises, Showcasing New Hypersonic Weapons

Japan has suddenly conducted military exercises to showcase its new hypersonic weaponry. During the annual live-fire drills held at the Higashifuji Training Ground in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, Type 10 battle tanks of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) fired ammunition. This largest-ever live-fire exercise, held near Mount Fuji, served as a demonstration of the nation’s combat readiness and modern weaponry capabilities.

According to local media reports, this year’s exercise involved approximately 3,000 Japan Self-Defence Forces (JSDF) personnel and utilised around 70 tonnes of ammunition across various combat simulations. The primary highlight of the military demonstration was the first appearance of the Type 2_5 High-Speed Launch Projectile system, Japan’s latest hypersonic weapon. The Japanese Ministry of Defence stated that the system is designed to strengthen the defence capabilities of the country’s remote islands.

The exercise also featured the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor transport aircraft of the JGSDF, demonstrating Japan’s aerial mobility capabilities. Additionally, Type 92 mine-clearing vehicles launched rockets as part of the combat operation simulations. These drills are being conducted amidst Tokyo’s efforts to increase national defence capacity in response to the rising security dynamics in the East Asian region. In recent years, the Japanese government has continued to strengthen military modernisation, including the development of advanced weaponry technology.