The government on Wednesday declared the U.S. MV-22 tilt-rotor transport aircraft safe to fly, and the U.S. Marine Corps on Friday started test-flying 12 Osprey aircraft now parked at its air station in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The 12 aircraft are expected to be deployed at Futenma air station in Ginowan, the central part of Okinawa Island, in early October.
The government declaration came amid Okinawan people's fears about the safety of the Osprey. The Japanese and the U.S. governments stress that deployment of the aircraft will contribute to improved military deterrence. But they should not underestimate Okinawan residents' opposition to the deployment.
If the aircraft are moved to Futenma, Okinawan residents are likely to carry out fierce protests. The possibility cannot be ruled out that such a movement could jeopardize the entire Japan-U.S. security relationship.