Japan Begins Deployment of Osprey Aircraft at Saga Airport to Enhance Defense

The deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force's Osprey transport aircraft at Saga Airport is underway, part of Japan's broader strategy to enhance defense in the southwest region. On the morning of July 9, an Osprey successfully landed at Saga Airport, which is adjacent to the newly established GSDF Camp Saga. Following this arrival, a formal opening ceremony for the camp was conducted to mark its significance.

According to Masayoshi Arai, the commanding general of the GSDF Western Army, Camp Saga plays a crucial role due to its proximity to major units engaged in amphibious operations. During the ceremony, Arai urged personnel to prioritize safety, accident prevention, and noise control as part of their operational responsibilities with the Osprey aircraft. By mid-August, all 17 Osprey aircraft are scheduled to be transferred from their temporary station at Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture to Camp Saga, illustrating a significant logistical effort.

Earlier, on July 6, four of the 17 Ospreys were moved to GSDF Vice Camp Takayubaru in Kumamoto Prefecture. The Osprey that arrived on July 9 is included in this group, marking a gradual shift towards establishing full operational capacity at Camp Saga. In addition, around 50 helicopters from GSDF Camp Metabaru are expected to relocate to the same facility, anticipating a high volume of approximately 17,000 takeoffs and landings annually, including night operations.

The plan for the Osprey deployment was originally unveiled in 2014, and it has taken nearly a decade to come to fruition amid challenges in engaging with local communities resistant to the project. The Japanese Defense Ministry had previously deployed the Ospreys in Kisarazu for a limited period of five years, with July 9 marking a critical deadline for transitioning to Saga. This deployment is part of Japan's enhanced defensive measures for the Nansei Islands, with operational headquarters set to be established at Camp Ainoura in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, coordinating efforts with an amphibious task force.

In addition to the Ospreys in Saga, around 30 of these aircraft currently operate from various U.S. military bases across Japan, including facilities in Okinawa, Tokyo, and Yamaguchi Prefectures. However, concerns surrounding the safety of the Osprey aircraft have been magnified following a history of accidents and issues, leading to periods of suspended flights both domestically and internationally.