WASHINGTON — Bell Boeing and the V-22 Joint Program Office (PMA-275) are expanding a global supply-chain initiative aimed at keeping the V-22 Osprey fleet operational beyond 2055.
Expanding the V-22 Supply Chain
The effort was a major focus of a recent Team Osprey Working Group, which brought together 200 defense experts from six allied nations and seven U.S. government agencies.
More than 35 defense, engineering and manufacturing suppliers are involved in the initiative. Its priorities include addressing material shortages, improving component reliability, increasing parts availability and carrying out technical modernization.
The group also welcomed 14 first-time industry participants, expanding the industrial base supporting V-22 sustainment.
Col. Robert Hurst, PMA-275 program manager, said that better coordination across the global supply chain and the integration of technical improvements can increase material availability on the flight line. He also highlighted the importance of component reliability for maintaining expeditionary lift and logistical flexibility in high-threat environments.
Supporting Multiple Military Missions
The effort supports the three main V-22 variants operated by U.S. forces.
The U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 provides tactical medium-lift capability, including troop transport and assault support. The Navy's CMV-22 performs Carrier Onboard Delivery missions, moving supplies, passengers and high-value cargo to deployed carrier strike groups.
The CV-22, operated by U.S. special operations forces, supports long-range infiltration, exfiltration and specialized resupply missions.
Long-Term Fleet Sustainment
The initiative comes as V-22 production moves toward completion. The Marine Corps received its 359th and final planned MV-22B on July 28, 2026. Production of the remaining Navy CMV-22B aircraft is expected to continue into 2027 or early 2028.
The Marine Corps plans to operate its MV-22B fleet through 2055. Japan is the V-22's only international customer and operates 17 Ospreys.
Recent contracts are also supporting the fleet's long-term sustainment. In September 2026, the Pentagon awarded Bell Boeing about $29.67 million to maintain loads-and-dynamics modeling data for V-22 variants through March 2030. The data supports structural analysis, repairs, mishap investigations and airworthiness activities. A separate contract was awarded to Raytheon for software support.
Modernization and Reliability
V-22 modernization work includes improvements to nacelles, wiring and structural components, as well as proprotor gearboxes made with triple-melted steel. The program is also working on aircraft configuration standardization, component redesign and cockpit technology upgrades to address avionics obsolescence.
According to the Department of War, continued coordination between the government, military operators and industry is intended to preserve the V-22's operational capabilities for several more decades. The initiative combines immediate supply-chain requirements with long-term reliability and modernization efforts to support the Osprey fleet beyond 2055.
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