First two V-22 Ospreys delivered to Japan after several years of waiting

On May 8, 2020, two V-22 Osprey convertible aircraft of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF – Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) arrived for the first time on Japanese soil. A civilian vehicle transport ship unloaded the two aircraft, rotors and wings folded, on a quay near the Iwakuni military base. This arrival on Japanese soil takes place nearly three years after the delivery of the first aircraft to the JGSDF. Until now, Japanese political and administrative difficulties had forced the aircraft to remain stationed on American soil.

As the first and for the moment the only export customer of the Osprey, Japan should fully exploit the potential of its V-22 in the years to come. Implemented by the land force, the Osprey are expected to support the deployment of the new Japanese amphibious brigade. Created in 2018 on the model of the US Marines Corps, this elite unit will have as main mission: defend Japanese islands and islets.

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