Pentagon Approves Lift of V-22 Osprey Flight Ban After High-Level Endorsement

Defense News ,U.S :-  U.S. officials have informed The Associated Press that the Pentagon is set to lift the ban on flights for the grounded V-22 Osprey next week. This decision follows a high-level meeting where Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorsed the military services' plans for a safe and measured return to operations.

According to anonymous officials, Naval Air Systems Command, which imposed the grounding approximately three months ago after a fatal crash in Japan, will now lift the ban. Austin held discussions with top service leaders, including those from the Navy and Air Force, on Friday morning to address the matter.

The Osprey has been grounded since the Nov. 29 Air Force Special Operations Command crash in Japan that resulted in the loss of eight service members. Investigations into this incident and an earlier Osprey crash in Australia in August, which claimed the lives of three Marines, are still ongoing.

While the decision to lift the flight ban ultimately rests with Naval Air Systems Command, Austin sought an informational briefing on the issue due to significant safety concerns and the involvement of three services and a critical ally in the program. Although Austin doesn't have direct approval authority in the return-to-flight process, U.S. officials consider his endorsement of the services' plan as a crucial step.

In the intervening months, the services have collaborated on plans to address the identified material failure. This includes additional safety checks and the establishment of a new, more conservative approach to operating the Osprey.