US test fires mobile rocket system near Mount Fuji in rapid ‘shoot and scoot’ drill

GOTEMBA, Japan — U.S. Marines Conduct Rocket Firing Exercise at the Foothills of Mount Fuji

The U.S. Marines recently conducted a rocket firing exercise at a range located in the foothills of Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. The exercise involved test firing a dozen rockets from a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) mobile launcher. The HIMARS is a critical component of the American military’s arsenal, known for its ability to rapidly deploy, fire rockets, and relocate to avoid counter-battery fire.

With the increasing threat of drones on the battlefield, the “shoot and scoot” tactics employed by HIMARS have become even more vital. This system has been utilized by U.S. forces in various conflicts, including Iraq and Afghanistan. Most recently, it was used in the opening attack on Iran, showcasing its capability to launch precision-guided rockets over long distances.

In the Pacific region, where tensions are high with China, the use of HIMARS is of particular significance. The U.S. aims to deter any potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, and HIMARS systems equipped with the latest missiles could easily reach targets in the Taiwan Strait from nearby Japanese islands.

Although the HIMARS is typically equipped with shorter-range rockets, the recent exercise at Camp Fuji involved dummy projectiles. This exercise, only the second of its kind at the location, was conducted in close coordination with Japanese military forces. As a precaution, a public road between the firing and landing areas of the rockets was temporarily closed.

The successful rocket firing exercise demonstrates the continued readiness and cooperation between U.S. and Japanese military forces in the region. With evolving threats and challenges, exercises like these ensure that both forces are prepared to respond effectively and protect shared interests.