The United States has informed Japan of its desire to use heavy weapons, such as antitank missiles and rocket launchers, in Marine Corps live-fire training at five Ground Self-Defense Force firing ranges. Japan's Defense Ministry plans to allow this after securing understanding from local communities.
Japan's Defense Ministry announced on Tuesday that the United States has expressed its hope to incorporate heavy weapons, including antitank missiles and rocket launchers, into Marine Corps live-fire exercises at five Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) firing ranges. The sites are the Yausubetsu range in Hokkaido, the Ojojihara range in Miyagi Prefecture, the Kitafuji range in Yamanashi Prefecture, the Higashifuji range in neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture, and the Hijudai range in Oita Prefecture.
Previously, U.S. forces conducted such training at Camp Hansen in Okinawa Prefecture, using heavy weapons and firearms like machine guns across a prefectural highway through the base. In 1997, firearms training was relocated to these five GSDF sites outside Okinawa to alleviate the burden on local communities hosting Camp Hansen, where heavy weapons training has continued.
A ministry official stated that Japan plans to permit the use after obtaining understanding from regional communities and began explanations to concerned local governments on the same day. The U.S. explained that this consideration aims to conduct live-fire training more efficiently and effectively in response to evolving security situations. The agreed cap on annual live-fire training days between the two countries will remain unchanged.
This development underscores efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance amid regional tensions, though it may raise concerns among nearby residents.
