Japan grounds V-22 Osprey fleet after flight mishap on Sunday
- An incident involving a V-22 Osprey occurred last Sunday during a military exercise, causing the aircraft to tilt and hit the ground during takeoff.
- The incident led to the grounding of Japan's fleet of V-22 Ospreys while an investigation is conducted.
- Japan's defense officials maintain that there is no inherent safety issue with the Ospreys, but ensuring flight safety remains critical.
On November 3, 2024, Japan's Ground Self-Defense Forces announced the grounding of its V-22 Osprey fleet due to a flight incident that occurred during the Keen Sword military exercise. One of the Osprey aircraft, which carries a capacity of 16 passengers, experienced a significant tilt during takeoff, leading to contact with the ground. Although the aircraft managed to land safely without any reported injuries, the incident raised immediate safety concerns. This grounding marks a notable event for Japan, as it is linked to a broader discussion on the safety of the V-22 Ospreys, especially following a tragic crash last November that claimed eight U.S. service members' lives. The combined previous incident and current issues have intensified scrutiny on the Ospreys' operational history, particularly among communities in Okinawa, where public sentiment is often critical of military aircraft. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reassured the public that while there are no identified safety problems with the Ospreys, flight safety has to be prioritized during operations. The Pentagon is assisting in the investigation, reflecting international collaboration in military aviation safety protocols. As Japan re-evaluates the operational use of its V-22 Osprey fleet, this incident's impact on defense strategies and community relations will likely continue to unfold. Authorities are undertaking comprehensive investigations to ascertain the cause and ensure the safety of future flights.