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Japan Maintains Operations of V-22 Ospreys Despite U.S. Safety Assessments
Japan continues to operate V-22 Ospreys despite U.S. safety restrictions and ongoing assessments following a fatal crash.
CAMP TITIN, JORDAN 06.08.2021 Photo by 1st Lt. Mark Andries 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit
TOKYO — Japan's Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated on Friday that Japanese and American V-22 Ospreys continue to operate safely in Japan, despite ongoing safety assessments and restrictions imposed in the United States until next year.
Kihara emphasized that Japanese and U.S. military officials have maintained close communication regarding technical issues following a fatal November crash off Japan's southern coast. The crash resulted in the grounding of the fleet for about four months, during which safety protocols were reviewed and enhanced.
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"We have observed safe operations of Japanese and U.S. Ospreys, and we believe there are no safety concerns," Kihara affirmed. “There are no plans to suspend operations at this time.”
The Defense Minister's remarks come in response to Vice Adm. Carl Chebi's recent statement that hundreds of U.S. military Ospreys will not be authorized for full mission capabilities until 2025 due to ongoing safety concerns within the fleet. The November crash, which claimed the lives of eight U.S. servicemembers, prompted rigorous safety reviews and operational restrictions.
Since mid-March, the Ospreys deployed to U.S. military bases in Japan under the bilateral security alliance, as well as those operated by Japan's Ground Self Defense Force, have resumed flights following necessary maintenance and pilot training. These aircraft now operate under heightened safety checks, maintenance protocols, flight planning procedures, emergency measures, and other safeguards, according to Kihara.
Regarding potential restrictions on Osprey operations in Japan, Kihara declined to provide specifics, citing national security reasons. He indicated that Japanese officials are seeking clarification from Washington regarding the details outlined by Vice Adm. Chebi's testimony to the U.S. Congress.
The V-22 Osprey, known for its unique ability to fly like an airplane and land like a helicopter, has been in use since 2007. Despite its innovative design, critics have raised concerns about systematic flaws contributing to unexpected failures. One of the primary factors behind the extended flight restrictions is an ongoing effort to address clutch failures identified after a fatal crash in California in 2022.
According to Vice Adm. Chebi, a total of 64 service members have lost their lives in both air and ground incidents over the course of the Osprey program, with 93 others sustaining injuries.
The Japanese government's decision to continue Osprey operations underscores its confidence in the safety measures implemented following the November crash, despite ongoing evaluations and restrictions within the U.S. military.
