US Congress Launches Inquiry into V-22 Osprey Program Amid Rising Safety Concerns

Defense News , U.S :- The entire V-22 Osprey program is now under scrutiny by the US Congress as it initiates an investigation following four fatal crashes within a span of 20 months. The most recent incident, in which eight American soldiers lost their lives, occurred when an Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft crashed off the coast of Japan during a routine training mission last month.

Prompted by this tragic event, both Tokyo and Washington have temporarily grounded their V-22 fleets, initiating separate investigations and search and rescue missions. The US House of Representatives Committee on Oversight and Accountability, on December 21, requested safety records for the Osprey from Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, with the requested documents expected to be delivered by January 4.

Committee chairman James Comer expressed concern that, despite statistical data suggesting the Osprey is not considered as dangerous as some other military aircraft, most fatalities associated with it have occurred during training exercises rather than combat operations. The committee aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and a thorough understanding of steps taken to mitigate potential mechanical risks, particularly given the substantial investment of taxpayer money in the V-22 Osprey program.

With over 450 Ospreys purchased for the military at a reported cost of $120 million each, the committee seeks to comprehend how the Defense Department manages the balance between these expenditures and the assurance of military capabilities and readiness. While acknowledging the advantages that Ospreys bring to combat scenarios, the committee underscores the necessity of prioritizing the safety of servicemembers.

This inquiry follows a series of fatal incidents involving Ospreys, including crashes in Norway and California in March and April 2022, respectively, as well as a tragic incident in Australia in August of the same year. These events have collectively claimed the lives of more than 50 US service members since 1992, prompting heightened scrutiny into the safety and effectiveness of the V-22 Osprey program.