American V-22 Osprey convertible landed for the first time in history on a Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force helicopter carrier

Last week, Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force celebrated a historic event. It was the first time an American convertible landed on a helicopter carrier.

Here's What We Know

A V-22 Osprey convertoplane belonging to the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force landed on the deck of the helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182). Mitsubishi SH-60K helicopters are normally deployed aboard the anti-submarine ship.

Japan's Ministry of Self-Defence conducted the exercise to improve interoperability between land forces and naval forces. This will allow Japan to better respond to any situations that arise.

The Land of the Rising Sun wants to create an Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. It will be formed along the lines of the US Marine Corps, and its main task will be to defend the islands of the Nansei archipelago, which are scattered over a length of about 1,200 kilometres.

Japan's Ground Self-Defence Force has ordered 17 American convertible aircraft. Deliveries of the V-22 Osprey began in mid-summer 2020. At the moment, all the convertoplanes are temporarily deployed in Chiba Prefecture.

Japan intends to deploy the V-22 Osprey at the airport on Kyushu Island, where the infrastructure is being prepared. About five dozen helicopters, including the Boeing AH-64D Apache and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, will also be stationed there.

Source: Naval News