WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States has approved a possible military sale of 17 Osprey aircraft and associated parts and equipment to Japan in a $3 billion defense deal with the island country, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Tuesday.
“The proposed sale of V-22B Block C Osprey aircraft will greatly enhance the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities and support amphibious operations,” DSCA said. “This sale will promote burden sharing with our ally and interoperability with US forces.”
The Osprey aircraft combines the vertical take-off and landing capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of a turboprop aircraft.
The aircraft has been used in humanitarian responses as well as expeditionary assault support, raids, lifting cargo and other operations.
