V-22 Osprey Cleared To Fly In Japan

After many protest over the use of V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Japan, the U.S has received approval to operate the aircraft. Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs George Little, said, “This agreement was the result of a deep partnership and thorough process that allowed both sides to reconfirm the safety of the aircraft. It is a testament to the strength and maturity of our Alliance, which remains the cornerstone for peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region”. "The Osprey will provide a critical capability that strengthens the United States' ability to defend Japan, perform humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, and fulfill other Alliance roles. With twice the speed, three times the payload, and four times the range, the Osprey will make a major contribution in upgrading the capabilities of the Alliance". Controversy erupted in July when the Ospreys were shipped to Japan to replace CH-46 helicopters used by the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa. However, due to the series of crashes, the deployment drew flak.