Japan Grounds V-22 Osprey Fleet After Incident

Japan has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft following an incident during the joint U.S. military exercise Keen Sword, where one Osprey tilted and damaged its wing upon takeoff, prompting an immediate flight abort. The aircraft, which was carrying 16 personnel including three U.S. service members, was able to land safely, and no injuries were reported. This incident marks the first major mishap for Japan's V-22 fleet since a crash last November that resulted in eight fatalities. The Defense Minister confirmed that the fleet will remain grounded during the investigation into the incident, which is supported by the Pentagon's V-22 joint program office. The Osprey's operational safety has been a point of contention in Japan, particularly among residents in Okinawa. The aircraft was operating from Yonaguni Island, located just 100 kilometers east of Taiwan.