JGSDF Osprey to land on Miyakojima for the first time for medical evacuation drill

(CNA, Tokyo, 22nd) Japanese media reported today, citing relevant sources, that the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force's (JGSDF) V-22 Osprey transport aircraft will conduct drills next month to transport casualties from Miyakojima to U.S. military bases on the main island of Okinawa. This will be the first time a JGSDF Osprey has landed on Miyakojima. Jiji Press reported that the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military are scheduled to hold a large-scale joint exercise, "Resolute Dragon," from June 20th to 30th, covering locations across Okinawa Prefecture and Kyushu. During the exercise, the JGSDF's V-22 Osprey and U.S. military aircraft will transport supplies. In October 2024, a JGSDF V-22 Osprey lost balance and hit the ground, sustaining damage during exercises on Yonaguni Island. The Okinawa Prefectural Government had requested the Ministry of Defense's Okinawa Defense Bureau not to use Ospreys during training sessions in February and March of this year.