The U.S. Navy’s recent contract award for five Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey  tiltrotor aircraft to Japan marks the first sale of the aircraft through the U.S. government’s Foreign Military Sales program. Last year, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced its selection of the Bell Boeing V-22 to address tiltrotor aircraft requirements outlined in its Mid-Term Defense Program.  

The versatile V-22 tiltrotor will enhance the capabilities of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, providing a wide range of mission capabilities including troop transport, disaster relief, personnel recovery, medical evacuation, logistics support, and executive transport.  

The Osprey gives operators the ability to achieve groundbreaking operational efficiencies and maximize the use of precious resources like time, money and personnel. The U.S. Navy’s selection of V-22 for the carrier onboard delivery mission is a recent example of how the interoperability and versatility of this aircraft will revolutionize how the U.S. Navy and international maritime fleets can operate.  

The sale to Japan reinforces the relevance of the Bell Boeing V-22 for global customers as other countries seek an in-production, unique, multi-mission warfighting capability.  

The V-22 is manufactured under a 50-50 strategic alliance between Bell Helicopter and Boeing. The Osprey’s fuselage is assembled at the Boeing site near Philadelphia and then shipped to the Bell Helicopter facility in Amarillo, Texas, for final assembly, including attachment of the wing, nacelles and rotor blades.