Plan to deploy JGSDF MV-22s at Saga airport hits roadblock

The Japanese government has determined that the planned deployment of Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) MV-22s at Saga airport, Kyushu in fiscal 2019 is unlikely to be executed on time.

Saga Airport distant view
By Pekachu (Own work) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons

This is because the construction of facilities to house the Ospreys are unlikely to be completed on time.

The local authorities have yet to convince farmers to give up their land to make way for the hangars, even if the deadline is met next month, work cannot start until fiscal 2018.

Some sources believe the deployment could only commence in fiscal 2021.