The Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) fired its FH-70 Howitzers out to 25 kilometres for the very first time while on Exercise Southern Jackaroo with the Australian Army at Shoalwater Bay Training Area in May 2019.
The JGSDF conducted the long range shoot in Australia as there isn’t a military range large enough to shoot to that distance in Japan. Australian Army soldiers from 7th Brigade helped facilitate the live fire activity and were honoured to be part of this historic moment for the JGSDF.
The exercise also saw integration opportunities between Japanese artillery soldiers and 1st Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery during live fire practices.
Exercise Southern Jackaroo is a trilateral field training activity between the Australian Army’s 7th Brigade, Japan Ground Self Defense Force and the United States Marine Rotation Force – Darwin, which aims to enhance interoperability, increase rapport and improve joint tactical, administrative and logistical operations.
