On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Japanese army commenced the deployment of its fleet of V-22 Ospreys to Camp Saga, a newly-established and permanent base in southwestern Japan. This strategic move is part of Japan's ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities amid escalating tensions in the region, particularly in response to China's assertive maritime activities.
The first of the 17 Ospreys successfully arrived at Camp Saga, as announced by Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF). The fleet had been temporarily stationed at Camp Kisarazu, located near Tokyo, since 2020 while the new base and supporting facilities were under construction. JGSDF officials confirmed that the remainder of the Osprey fleet is scheduled to complete its relocation by mid-August 2025.
This deployment aligns with Japan's accelerated military buildup, particularly in the southwest, as the nation seeks to reinforce its deterrence capabilities. Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the security environment surrounding Japan is becoming increasingly severe, making it essential to enhance island defense capabilities. The permanent presence of the Ospreys at Camp Saga will facilitate their operation in coordination with Japan's amphibious rapid deployment brigade, which is stationed in Ainoura, in the coastal town of Sasebo.
Additionally, the Camp Saga ground forces will collaborate with 50 helicopters located at the nearby Metabaru camp, as well as personnel from the Japanese air force and navy. This integrated approach aims to bolster defense readiness and response capabilities in the region, which is critical given the geopolitical landscape.
The use of V-22 Ospreys remains controversial in Japan, particularly in the southern regions, due to a history of accidents associated with the aircraft. Notably, in November 2023, a U.S. Air Force Osprey crashed off the southern coast of Japan, resulting in the tragic deaths of eight individuals. More recently, in October 2024, a Japanese army V-22 Osprey encountered difficulties, tilting and striking the ground during a takeoff attempt in a joint exercise with U.S. military forces. An investigation into that incident revealed that human error was the contributing factor.
The introduction of the V-22 Ospreys into Japan's military framework signifies a pivotal step in the country’s defense strategy, particularly in the context of increased military assertiveness from neighboring countries. As Japan reinforces its military capabilities, the implications of such developments on regional security dynamics will be closely monitored.
