WASHINGTON – The United States plans to sell 17 V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor military transport aircraft, associated equipment, parts and logistical support to Japan for an estimated cost of $3 billion, the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Tuesday.

The agency said it delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.

The associated equipment requested by the Japanese government includes 40 engines and 40 infrared radars, according to the agency.

Japan plans to assign 17 Ospreys to the Ground Self-Defense Force by fiscal 2018.

“It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist Japan in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the agency said in a statement.

The proposed sale “will greatly enhance the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s humanitarian and disaster relief capabilities and support amphibious operations,” it said.

The statement added that “the proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

Japan plans to procure and deploy 17 Ospreys at Saga airport from fiscal 2019, introducing them for a new brigade to be formed in neighboring Nagasaki Prefecture.