US test fires mobile rocket system near Mount Fuji in rapid 'shoot and scoot' drill
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • world
Key Points:
- U.S. Marines conducted a test firing of a dozen rockets from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) near Mount Fuji, Japan, to maintain proficiency with this key military asset.
- HIMARS is a truck-mounted rocket launcher known for its "shoot and scoot" tactics, allowing rapid firing and repositioning to avoid enemy counterattacks, especially important given the rise of battlefield drones.
- The system has been used in conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and recently in strikes against Iran, showcasing its capability to launch precision-guided rockets over long distances.
- HIMARS plays a strategic role in the Pacific, potentially deterring Chinese aggression toward Taiwan, as its missiles can reach targets in the Taiwan Strait if deployed on nearby islands like Japan.
- The recent exercise at Camp Fuji involved dummy rockets and was conducted in coordination with Japanese forces, with safety measures such as road closures implemented during the test.