Defence GSDF opens Osprey airbase in Saga

On Wednesday, the GSDF opened a new base in Saga Prefecture for its V-22 Osprey transport aircraft, reflecting Japan's efforts to strengthen its defences on outlying islands. In Japan, there's an increasing concern about China's growing military activity in nearby waters.



The first Osprey arrived at the newly established Camp Saga from Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture, where the GSDF's tilt-rotor aircraft had been temporarily stationed since July 2020. The new base, situated on Kyushu's main island, will be staffed by approximately 420 personnel. Operations at Camp Saga began despite ongoing public concern over the safety of the aircraft, following a series of Osprey-related accidents both in Japan and internationally, including a fatal crash two years ago. On the day of the transfer, residents gathered near the site to protest the deployment.

Dubbed the Japanese Marines, the brigade is based in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, adjacent to Saga, and specializes in defending remote islands. The relocation of the Ospreys reflects Tokyo's recent focus on bolstering deterrence and response capabilities in the southwestern Nansei island chain, a strategically vital area due to its proximity to the potential geopolitical flashpoint of Taiwan. China considers Taiwan a renegade province to be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. It has stepped up military pressure on the self-ruled democratic island and increased maritime assertiveness in the East and South China seas.

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Regarding China's increasingly aggressive military activity in nearby waters: Japan's Defence Ministry says a Chinese fighter-bomber this week flew as close as 30 metres to a JSDF plane over the East China Sea on two straight days.