Full Breakdown
U.S. Marines Conduct HIMARS Live-Fire Drill Near Mount Fuji
5/21/2026, 1:50:04 AM
Live-Fire HIMARS Drill at Camp Fuji
On Wednesday, May 20 2026, U.S. Marines fired a dozen rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launcher at a range in the foothills of Mount Fuji, southwest of Tokyo. The exercise took place at Camp Fuji in Gotemba and involved only inert, dummy projectiles. HIMARS is a truck-mounted launcher capable of rapid deployment, firing, and relocation, a “shoot-and-scoot” method intended to reduce vulnerability to counter-battery fire and battlefield drones.
Strategic Role of HIMARS and Regional Tensions
HIMARS has been employed by U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and was later used in the opening attack on Iran, launching a precision-guided rocket capable of striking targets hundreds of miles away. The system’s range, especially when equipped with its latest missiles, could reach the Taiwan Strait, which is particularly meaningful in the Pacific, where the United States hopes to deter a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan. The drill underscores the growing importance of mobile rocket artillery in the Pacific theater, where static positions are increasingly exposed to drone surveillance and attack.
Key Dates of the Drill
- May 20 2026: Live-fire drill conducted at Camp Fuji, marking the second HIMARS test at this location.
- Prior deployments: Use of HIMARS in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the opening strike on Iran (date not specified in sources).
Exercise Metrics
- Rockets fired: 12 dummy projectiles.
- Test frequency: Second HIMARS test at Camp Fuji.
- Safety measures: Closure of a public road between launch and impact zones during the exercise.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Central Command confirmed that HIMARS was employed in the opening attack on Iran, emphasizing the system’s precision-guided capability and long-range reach. The May 20 drill was carried out “in close coordination with Japanese military forces,” reflecting bilateral cooperation on training and readiness. No additional statements from Japanese officials were provided in the source material.
Implications for Pacific Deterrence and “Shoot-and-Scoot” Tactics
The drill demonstrates the United States’ intent to maintain a rapid-response artillery capability in proximity to potential flashpoints in the Pacific. By practicing “shoot-and-scoot” tactics, U.S. forces aim to mitigate the risk posed by proliferating battlefield drones, which can target stationary artillery units. The ability to relocate quickly after firing enhances survivability and reinforces deterrence messaging toward China regarding Taiwan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Both source articles present a consistent account of the exercise; no discrepancies or missing information were identified regarding the number of rockets, the nature of the projectiles, or the coordination with Japanese forces.
