US, Japan fire rocket artillery on Hokkaido amid tensions with Russia

U.S. and Japanese forces fired mobile rocket artillery during training on Hokkaido as their annual Orient Shield exercise unfolded amid tensions between Japan and Russia over disputed islands farther north. U.S. soldiers with the 11th Airborne Division participate in Orient Shield field training at Camp Higashi-Chitose in Hokkaido, Japan, Sept. 22, 2026. (Maria Elena Casneiro/U.S. Army) U.S. and Japanese forces fired mobile rocket artillery during training on Hokkaido this week as their annual Orient Shield exercise unfolded amid tensions between Japan and Russia over disputed islands farther north. The U.S. Army’s HIMARS — the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System — and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s MLRS — the Multiple Launch Rocket System — fired Tuesday at Yausubetsu Training Area, U.S.

Army Japan spokeswoman Maj. LeeAnn Sagucio said by phone Wednesday from Chitose, Hokkaido. The live fire was part of Orient Shield, an annual exercise involving 3,700 soldiers from the United States, Japan and Australia that began Sept. 8 and concludes Thursday, according to U.S. and Japanese officials. The Ground Self-Defense Force has said Orient Shield is not directed at a specific country or region. However, this year’s exercise coincides with tensions between Japan and Russia over Etorofu, Kunashiri and Shikotan islands and the Habomai islet group. The Soviet Union seized the territory, just north of Hokkaido, at the end