Osprey V-22 Tilt-rotor Aircraft Meant for JGSDF Arrive in Japan

Ospreys V-22 Aircraft bound for Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) units arrived in Japan at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni on May 8, 2020.

The JGSDF plans to introduce the Osprey V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft to conduct rescue and special operations missions, the US Marine Corps which facilitated the arrival, released information and images of the event.

These are the V-22B Block C variant, which feature a new radar, along with additional mission management and electronic warfare equipment.

Japan ordered the first five Ospreys for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in July 2015 for $332 million.

Some of the V-22s will be stationed aboard the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s new helicopter carrier ‘Izumo’  as part of Japan’s force projection against aggressive Chinese moves.

The V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft are able to carry more battle-ready troops  than comparable conventional helicopters and at a higher speed. 

The V-22 Ospreys are made by Bell-Boeing and have been the mainstay of the US Marine Corps forward deployment. In Japan However, they have been criticised for a series of accidents and complaints of residents over noisy overflight.