More JGSDF Ospreys delivered
On 14 February 2021, five Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) V-22B Ospreys arrived at MCAS Iwakuni (Japan). The tiltrotors, of which three were identified as 91703/JG-1703, 91707/JG-1707 and 91708/JG-1708, were delivered via a US roll-on roll-off carrier.
On 27 January 2021, five JGSDF Ospreys were identified at NAS North Island (CA) ready for shipment.
The serials of these V-22Bs were: 91702/JG-1702 (FMS BuNo 169315), 91703/JG-1703 (FMS BuNo 169316), 91704/JG-1704 (FMS BuNo 169317), 91707/JG-1707 (FMS BuNo 169428) and 91708/JG-1708 (FMS BuNo 169429) . It is safe to assume that these five where the ones delivered on 14 February 2021.
After acceptance, the Ospreys will be flown to Kisarazu Garrison (Chiba Prefecture), where they will be temporarily based. Finally, the tiltrotors will move to Saga (Saga Prefecture) as soon as the infrastructure is completed.
The mayor of Kisarazu city only agreed to host the Ospreys for a maximum of five years. By that time facilities at Saga airport on Kyushu island will be ready to host all seventeen ordered aircraft.
Photo: still from video by Lance Cpl. Mitchell Austin, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni