Japan has once again suspended operations of its V-22 Osprey aircraft following a recent mishap during a takeoff attempt. The incident occurred last Sunday during the Keen Sword joint exercise involving U.S. military forces, where one of the aircraft unexpectedly tilted and made contact with the ground, resulting in some damage to the aircraft. The Osprey was carrying a total of 16 passengers at the time, including three members of the U.S. military.
Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Forces stated that while taking off, the V-22 experienced instability, swaying side to side. As a result, the aircraft’s left wing touched the ground, leading to the decision to abort the flight. This incident marks the first significant event for Japan’s V-22 fleet since a tragic crash last November, which claimed the lives of eight Air Force Special Operations Command personnel. That crash prompted a prolonged grounding of V-22 operations in both Japan and the United States.
Although the fleet resumed flying earlier this year, the use of Ospreys continues to stir concerns, particularly in Okinawa, where residents have raised questions regarding the safety of the aircraft. In the recent incident, fortunately, there were no injuries reported, but Japan has opted to keep its fleet of over a dozen V-22 aircraft grounded while a thorough investigation takes place. Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani addressed the media, expressing confidence in the safety of Ospreys but emphasizing that flight safety must always be prioritized in operations.
The Pentagon’s V-22 joint program office has pledged to assist Japan in the inquiry into this incident, as confirmed by spokesperson Neil Lobeda. The aircraft was operating around Yonaguni, a Japanese island located just 100 kilometers (62 miles) away from Taiwan, during the Keen Sword exercise. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the factors that contributed to the aircraft’s instability during takeoff.
