Japan opens Osprey base on Kyushu to defend remote islands as China boosts military presence
The transport aircraft camp in southwestern Japan enhances the military’s rapid response capabilities in the event of an emergency
The first V-22 Osprey arrived 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.
Ospreys can take off and land like helicopters but cruise like aeroplanes. 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.
Dubbed the Japanese Marines, the brigade is based in Sasebo, Nagasaki prefecture, near Saga, and specialises in defending remote islands.
The relocation of the Ospreys reflects Tokyo’s recent focus on bolstering deterrence and response capabilities in the southwestern Nansei island chain, a strategically vital area due to its proximity to the potential geopolitical flashpoint of Taiwan.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. While many nations, including the US, do not officially acknowledge Taiwan as an independent state, they oppose any use of force to alter the existing status quo.