Japan Just Approved Exporting Lethal Weapons, Then a Tank Exploded...
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As soon as the Japanese government passed the resolution allowing export of lethal weapons, the Self-Defense Forces immediately delivered a dramatic demonstration.
According to Kyodo News, on the morning of the 21st, a tank explosion occurred during training at the "Hibiki-dake Training Ground" in Ōita Prefecture. The accident resulted in three fatalities and one severe injury; the injured individual has been rushed to hospital for treatment.
According to preliminary information released by the Western Army of the Self-Defense Forces, the involved vehicle was a Type 10 tank. The four Self-Defense Force members caught in the incident were the tank commander, gunner, driver, and exercise safety officer. At the time, the tank was conducting firing drills when a shell exploded inside the barrel. However, the exact cause of the accident still requires further investigation.
There are numerous potential causes for a tank shell exploding inside the barrel—from defects in the ammunition itself, to the condition of the barrel, to operational or maintenance oversights. Any flaw in these areas could lead to a fatal accident, such as improper propellant design or deterioration, hidden cracks in the barrel material, or even insufficient cleaning of the chamber.
Ironically, on the very same day, Japan's Cabinet had just approved a resolution permitting the export of lethal weapons. Yet, moments after this decision was made, the Self-Defense Forces' tank instantly demonstrated the "lethality" of Japanese weaponry through a serious accident.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863062832960708/
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