Japan's push to modernize its naval and amphibious warfare capabilities has seen it place its first order for the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, an American multi-mission, tilt-rotor military aircraft that combines the hovering ability of a helicopter with the high-speed, long-range performance of a propeller-driven aircraft.

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The Japan Self-Defense Force (JSDF) has placed an initial order for four V-22s worth $545 million with Boeing. It will receive the V-22B Block C variant in service with the United States Marine Corps. This contract is part of a $3 billion sale of 17 V-22 Ospreys and associated equipment to the JSDF.

This is the first international sale of the V-22, which is in service with the Marines and the U.S. Air Force. The Osprey has seen combat service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya.

Japan's Ministry of Defense intends to deploy some of the V-22Bs to the Nansei Islands and the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Other V-22Bs will be assigned to the JS Izumo (DDH-183), a helicopter carrier and the lead ship in the Izumo-class of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The Izumo can carry up to 28 aircraft of various types.

The acquisition of the V-22 supports the modernization campaign of the JMSDF aimed at improving its naval warfare capabilities. As part of this push, the JSDF will also purchase 11 Assault Amphibious Vehicles, or the AV-P7/A1 widely used by the U.S. Marines.

JSDF will use its AV-P7/A1s to equip an Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade that will become operational by 2017. It will also acquire 36 Maneuver Combat Vehicles (MCVs), a wheeled tank destroyer mounting a 105 mm gun made by Japan.

The Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is the JSDF's first amphibious unit and some 300 of its men trained with the U.S. Marines last January.

As for aircraft, JSDF will acquire six F-35A Lightning II stealth fighter jets; one Kawasaki C-2 military transport aircraft and three Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk drones.

The V-22Bs will also enhance the JSDF's humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities. 

TagsBell Boeing V-22 Osprey, Japan Self-Defense Force, V-22B, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force