The U.S. Air Force has resumed flights of its Ospreys in Japan after a fatal crash in November, with the Marine Corps already operating its MV-22s since March. The Defense Ministry confirmed the resumption near Yokota Air Base, but the number of aircraft back in operation remains unconfirmed. The crash off Yakushima Island was the deadliest Osprey incident since 2007.
With 24 MV-22s at Futenma air station and five CV-22s at Yokota base, excluding the crashed aircraft, concerns over Osprey safety linger. The cause of the crash remains undisclosed by the U.S. military, causing anxiety among locals. Both U.S. and Japan Self-Defense Forces grounded Ospreys post-accident, resuming flights in March at Camp Kisarazu near Tokyo.
The U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps’ Osprey operations in Japan have faced scrutiny and safety concerns, but with flights resuming, the focus now shifts to ensuring the safety and efficiency of these aircraft.
© KYODO