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US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta says flight operations by MV-22 Ospreys in Okinawa will be delayed, pending a safety review.
The fleet of hybrid aircraft were due to be deployed at the US base in Okinawa in October. Panetta says flying missions will only begin once the Japanese government is satisfied the Osprey is safe. He added that US officials are completing a safety report and will provide Japanese leaders with details on two recent Osprey crashes.
His comments follow talks with Japan's Defense Minister, Satoshi Morimoto. Following the meeting at the US Pentagon, the minister was given a ride in an Osprey aircraft
A MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft lands on the ground of U.S. Pentagon on Friday. U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta on Friday said U.S. Marine Corps will deliver MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to Japan on time, but they will remain grounded for the short term, after a local government expressed opposition to the deployment over safety concerns. [Xinhua Photo] |
Satoshi Morimoto, Japan’s Defense Minister, said, "With regard to the Ospreys, and what it means to Japan, Mr. Panetta has already mentioned that. So, from my side, with regard to deployment of Ospreys in Okinawa, we will get a briefing from the investigating team in the US. The United States will give Japan the report of the investigation into the accidents in Florida and Morocco as soon as possible. Until we confirm the safety issues, the United States will refrain from flying Osprey."
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