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last mo.

U.S. Marines and Japan Say Futenma Return Still on Track After Runway Condition Disclosure

A recent GAO disclosure shows the Pentagon expects Japan to secure a longer-runway alternative before the base is handed back.

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Overview

  • The U.S. Department of Defense told the GAO it will not return the Futenma site until Japan selects a sufficiently long alternative runway and said that selection is Japan's responsibility.
  • The planned replacement at Henoko consists of two V‑shaped runways of about 1,800 meters each, compared with Futenma's roughly 2,700‑meter runway.
  • The U.S. Marine Corps says the handover plan remains on track under bilateral agreements and that it is implementing the agreed conditions.
  • One of the agreed conditions provides for contingency use of civilian airports for long‑runway operations that cannot be replicated at the Henoko facility.
  • Japanese officials, including Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara, say they expect the site to be returned after relocation and note that legal frameworks to enable contingencies are in place.