V-22's Japanese Time-Out to Continue Until Locals Say So

Japan's defense minister said that US forces stationed there won't resume V-22 operations without their approval.

The Air Force suspended operations after losing a crew in an unexplained crash on December 6th, a move that was quickly mirrored by the Japanese Self Defense Forces that operate the type, too. The US extended the localized Japanese grounding to the entire fleet around the world, pausing operations as it once again investigates the cause of a fatal crash.
 
“Ensuring flight safety is the top priority when operating U.S. military aircraft, and we are currently conducting confirmation work to ensure flight safety after receiving thorough information from the U.S. side regarding the recent Osprey accident,” said Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara.

“However, at this point, it is difficult to give a definitive answer regarding the timing of compiling the survey results or the prospect of resuming operations,” he said. “It goes without saying that ensuring flight safety is the top priority shared by Japan and the United States, and we have confirmed that Japan and the United States will work closely together to address this issue.”

FMI: www.usni.org