Osprey Flights to Resume in Japan Amid Safety Concerns

U.S. and Japanese forces prepare for the return of Osprey aircraft operations, following a Pentagon investigation and local opposition.

U.S. and Japanese forces will resume Osprey flights in Japan as early as Thursday, following a global flight ban lifted last week due to a fatal crash.
The decision comes after a Pentagon investigation identified a material failure in a component of the V-22 Osprey, leading to the development of mitigation controls.
Local officials in Okinawa, where most U.S. military Ospreys are deployed, have expressed strong opposition and concerns over the aircraft's safety.
The Osprey's unique tilt-rotor design, allowing it to take off like a helicopter and fly like a plane, is highlighted as crucial for various military operations.
Despite its controversial history and recent crashes, the Osprey is seen as essential for the U.S. military's operational capabilities, with plans for its continued use in the Pacific theater.