JGSDF officially receives first Osprey
The first Bell-Boeing MV-22B Block C Osprey tiltrotor aircraft for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) was officially handed over on 10 July at Camp Kisarazu.
The Japanese V-22 has a unique configuration with a Japanese-specific communication system. The JGSDF has been training with the USMC since May to gain aircraft proficiency, as the first non-US operator of the tiltrotor aircraft.
One main role of the V-22s for Japan is to support the relatively new Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade.
Initially, the JGSDF will operate V-22s from Kisarazu for a maximum of five years, before the aircraft move to a permanent base at Saga Airport, near Nagasaki.
The US State Department approved an FMS deal for 17 Ospreys in May 2015, and a batch of five were ordered for $332.5 million in July 2015.
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