On November 3, 2024, Japan grounded its fleet of V-22 Ospreys following a flight incident during the joint US-Japan military exercise, Keen Sword. An Osprey tilted unexpectedly during take-off, resulting in damage to the aircraft but fortunately no injuries among the 16 passengers onboard, which included three US service members [373805db]. This incident marks a significant concern as it follows a previous crash in November 2023 that tragically killed eight members of the Air Force Special Operations Command, leading to a months-long grounding of the fleet [373805db].
Japan's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani stated that while there is no inherent safety problem with the Ospreys, ensuring flight safety is paramount. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, supported by the Pentagon’s V-22 joint program office [373805db]. The grounding of the Ospreys comes at a critical time as Japan conducts military drills, including the Keen Sword exercises, which involve extensive collaboration with US forces [373805db].
This situation adds another layer of complexity to Japan's military operations, especially in light of ongoing tensions with Russia regarding military drills in the region. Japan's government has recently faced criticism from Russia over its military activities, which have been perceived as a threat to regional stability [5fe1143f]. As Japan navigates these challenges, the safety of its military aircraft remains a top priority, impacting both operational readiness and international relations [373805db][5fe1143f].