US and Japan Ground Osprey Aircraft Over Safety Concerns

The decision follows a near-crash in New Mexico and ongoing issues with metal failures in critical components.

The US military has temporarily grounded its V-22 Osprey fleet after an investigation into a November incident revealed weakened metal components caused an engine failure and near-crash in New Mexico.
Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force has also suspended Osprey flights, citing safety concerns and coordination with the United States.
The recent incident echoes a fatal 2023 crash off Japan's coast, where metal weaknesses in critical gears led to catastrophic failure, killing eight service members.
Investigations have highlighted systemic issues with the Osprey's design and faster-than-expected wear on parts, contributing to a series of accidents over the past five years.
Lawmakers and experts are urging comprehensive safety and design reviews, as the Osprey program has faced decades of reliability and safety criticisms, with 64 fatalities since its introduction.