Japan Opens Osprey Base on Kyushu as Chinese Military Threat Grows

The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) opened a new camp in southwestern Japan on July 9 to host its fleet of Osprey transport aircraft, as part of efforts to strengthen the defenses of remote islands owing to fears over China's increasing military ambitions.

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TOKYO —

The first V-22 Osprey was expected to arrive later on July 9 at the new Camp Saga, in the prefecture of the same name on the main island of Kyushu, transferring from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo.

The GSDF's tilt-rotor aircraft have been temporarily based there since July 2020.

Operations at the new camp, staffed by about 420 personnel, begin as safety concerns linger following a series of Osprey accidents in Japan and abroad, including a fatal crash in 2023.

Ospreys can take off and land like helicopters but cruise like airplanes. The primary mission of the V-22 unit is to transport personnel and equipment for the GSDF's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade in the event of an emergency.