Photo By Mark Schauer | Recently, U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground hosted a test of the Japan Ground Self-Defense...... read more read more
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For Soldiers deployed in a war zone, the natural environment can be as formidable an enemy as their armed human adversaries.
U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) conducts testing in three of the world’s most punishing extreme climates, a necessity that is just as clear to the United States’ foreign partners.
Recently, YPG hosted a test of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) Type-19 155 mm wheeled self-propelled howitzer that will replace the FH 70 towed 155 mm howitzer the country has used since the late 1970s.
Sporting a 155 mm gun mounted on the back of an 8x8 tactical truck chassis, the platform is networked with a fire control system fed targeting information by forward observers and crewed by five personnel.
The test is taking place after three years of planning.
“They’re looking to develop a ballistic data package for their system,” said Jonathan Bazua, YPG test officer. “This will provide estimated range and deflection values needed for accurate system settings.”
YPG’s extremely large range—more than 1,200 square miles—and extensive military test infrastructure are the primary reasons the JGSDF is conducting testing here.
“The ammunition and charges we are using for this test are ones we cannot use within Japan, which is why we decided to conduct the test at YPG,” said Lt. Col. Akihito Baba, of the 6th Test Division Equipment Test and Evaluation Unit. “Within Japan there is probably only one location where we can conduct these types of firing tests, a training location where we have to bring all of the necessary equipment to conduct our test. Within this facility we have everything to be able to conduct tests and it is very well organized.”
The JGSDF has tested a variety of military equipment at YPG for decades, including the prototype of the Type 19. The institutional knowledge present here is another reason for choosing to test at YPG.
“We have been receiving great support,” said Baba. “Everyone is very meticulous and detailed in the service they have been giving us. We may be getting better support than we are getting in Japan.”
The well-known efficiency of YPG’s test support personnel shown to customers has been greatly appreciated by the customer.
“Whenever a malfunction or breakage happens, we get immediate support,” said Baba. “When we had trouble with a cable, we had immediate support to address it. Even if we had a malfunction with the tube or muzzle, it could be checked right here in the same location.”
“We can’t plan for everything, but we can make sure we address any problems that come up to keep the test on schedule,” added Bazua.
YPG has extensive experience testing materiel for friendly foreign nations, and in this test YPG weapons operators shared test fire duties with their counterparts from the JGSDF. For the first time in their experience here, the visiting testers have stayed at the Candlewood Suites hotel located on post and credited the support of YPG’s garrison employees in helping make their test successful.
“For the first time, our team has been staying in the hotel within the base,” said Baba. “Everybody has been so kind, from the cafeterias to the commissary to the gym. With those people’s support, we are healthy and energized to conduct
| Date Taken: | 12.16.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.16.2025 10:01 |
| Story ID: | 551603 |
| Location: | YUMA PROVING GROUND, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 725 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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