Japan received a second batch of Bell Boeing MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft on 14 February.
Images posted online showed the aircraft arriving into US Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni by ship, following their trans-Pacific journey from the United States. The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) told Janes that the shipment comprises five aircraft, bringing to seven the total so far delivered out of an order for 17 Block C aircraft made in 2015 and 2017.
The JGSDF is temporarily locating its Ospreys at Camp Kisarazu in Tokyo, from where flying operations have already begun. The Japanese government has long-terms plans to operate the fleet from Saga Airport in the far southwest of the country and is currently negotiating the move with local officials.
When fully operational in JGSDF service, the Ospreys will equip an amphibious unit of two expeditionary divisions and two brigades the Ministry of Defence is founding to respond “without delay in case of any invasion of any remote islands”. The platform will also enhance Japan’s ability to carry out humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
This story, first published on 18 February, has been updated with new information.
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