Japan’s Osprey Deployment Masks Rising Regional Risks and Operational Failures

Japan recently initiated the deployment of its fleet of V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft at a newly established permanent base in southwestern Japan, aiming to strengthen its defensive posture against perceived maritime threats from China. While on the surface this move appears as a straightforward military buildup, a deeper look reveals concerning operational risks and strategic questions that mainstream reporting conveniently sidesteps. The fleet of 17 Ospreys moved from a temporary station near Tokyo to Camp Saga, positioning itself closer to Japan’s remote southwestern islands. Official statements underline this deployment as an urgent response to what they describe as an increasingly...