Overview
- A Japan Ground Self‑Defense Force V‑22 Osprey, which landed at Miyako Airport on Monday, June 29, carried out a short medical‑evacuation drill and departed about 15 minutes later.
- The visit was part of the U.S.–Japan exercise Resolute Dragon 26, during which V‑22s have made short stops across the region including an arrival at Ishigaki and an earlier landing at U.S. Futenma on June 22.
- Local residents and the group ‘Anti‑Missile‑Base Miyakojima Residents’ Liaison gathered at the airport to protest, voicing safety concerns and opposition to increased military activity.
- The Miyako stop came after an initial June 25 plan was postponed for several days because of Typhoon No.7 and poor weather, reflecting how the rollout of Saga‑based V‑22s has been affected by conditions.
- Tokyo’s deployment of V‑22s aims to boost rapid transport and disaster relief but is likely to heighten tensions with Okinawan authorities and island residents worried about safety and militarization as the exercise continues through June 30.