First batch of Bell-Boeing MV-22 Ospreys for JGSDF arrive in Japan


Two MV-22B Osprey tilt rotor aircraft for JGSDF arrived in Japan. Photo c/o Scramble Magazine.


The first two (2) units of Bell-Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft for the Japan Ground Self Defense Forces (JGSDF) arrived in Japan through the US Marine Corp’s (USMC) Air Station Iwakuni. 

The aircraft, with serial numbers 91701 and 91705, arrived on 8 May 2020, and will be inspected first by USMC personnel before the aircraft are handed over to the JGSDF.

This batch is part of an initial order of five (5) units made in 2015 under a US$332.5 million deal. Two more aircraft, with serial numbers 91702 and 91703 are being used to train JGSDF personnel at the USMC Air Station New River in North Carolina.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MOD) previously announced its intention to purchase 17 units with an estimated worth exceeding US$3 billion. So far, 3 batches of  four (4) aircraft each have been ordered to complete the total of 17 aircraft.

Japan has so far been the only export market for the V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, although other countries have shown interest in it including South Korea and India.


[1] Scramble Magazine
[2] Jane’s Defence Weekly

First batch of Bell-Boeing MV-22 Ospreys for JGSDF arrive in Japan First batch of Bell-Boeing MV-22 Ospreys for JGSDF arrive in Japan Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on May 12, 2020 Rating: 5

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