U.S. Marines Fire 12 HIMARS Rockets Near Mount Fuji as Taiwan Strait Range Looms
Updated
Updated · abcnews.com · May 20
U.S. Marines Fire 12 HIMARS Rockets Near Mount Fuji as Taiwan Strait Range Looms
14 articles · Updated · abcnews.com · May 20
U.S. Marines launched 12 dummy rockets from a HIMARS truck at Camp Fuji on Wednesday in only the second such test at the site.
The drill emphasized HIMARS' rapid "shoot and scoot" role—firing from concealment and moving quickly to avoid counter-battery strikes as drones make fixed positions easier to target.
Camp Fuji's exercise was coordinated closely with Japanese forces, and authorities temporarily closed a public road between the firing point and impact area as a precaution.
HIMARS has been used in Iraq, Afghanistan and the opening U.S. attack on Iran; in the Pacific, newer missiles could reach targets in the Taiwan Strait from nearby Japanese islands.
As drone warfare evolves, is the expensive HIMARS system already becoming obsolete on modern battlefields?
With US forces stretched thin, can symbolic drills in Japan effectively deter an opportunistic China?
How can the US military maintain its edge when its weapons depend on rare earths from China?
U.S. HIMARS Exercise Near Mount Fuji: Regional Military Buildup and the Future of Indo-Pacific Security
Overview
On May 20, 2026, the U.S. military held a HIMARS live-fire exercise near Mount Fuji, Japan, using only dummy projectiles to ensure safety while practicing key operational procedures. This drill, conducted in close coordination with Japanese forces, tested the system’s mobility and readiness, highlighting Camp Fuji’s growing role in advanced military training. The exercise underscored the importance of U.S.-Japan defense collaboration and demonstrated a commitment to regional security. By focusing on realistic, safe training and strong alliance cooperation, the event reflected broader efforts to enhance preparedness and deter potential threats in the Indo-Pacific region.