US Military Grounds V-22 Osprey Fleet Amid Safety Concerns Until Mid-2025

The US military has grounded its fleet of V-22 Osprey aircraft until mid-2025 due to ongoing safety concerns following a series of fatal crashes. Efforts to address mechanical issues and improve safety measures are underway.

The US military has grounded nearly 400 V-22 Osprey aircraft across all branches until at least mid-2025. This decision follows a series of crashes that resulted in the deaths of 20 service members over the past two years. The grounding was announced by US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) chief Vice Adm. Carl Chebi during a House oversight hearing.

The primary issue behind the grounding is the persistent clutch failure that caused a fatal crash in June 2022 in California. NAVAIR is conducting comprehensive safety and performance assessments, which are expected to take another six to nine months to complete. Vice Adm. Chebi emphasized the importance of addressing all safety concerns before allowing the Ospreys to resume unrestricted flight operations.

Since the V-22 Osprey's induction in 2007, the aircraft has been involved in several accidents, resulting in 64 deaths and 93 injuries among service members. The most alarming period occurred between March 2022 and November 2023, with four fatal crashes, including one off the coast of Japan that killed eight American soldiers. This incident led to the grounding of V-22 fleets in both the US and Japan for investigations.

In March, the US military permitted the Ospreys to fly again but only under a "limited envelope," restricting missions to within 30 minutes of a suitable airfield. Despite these precautions, the decision to extend the restricted flight status underscores the severity of the safety issues.

The House Committee on Oversight and Accountability initiated a separate investigation into the V-22 program in December 2023, expressing frustrations over the lack of access to safety records. Rep. Stephen Lynch of Massachusetts warned that another accident could lead to the termination of the V-22 program, citing the repeated fatalities as unacceptable.

The V-22 Osprey, a tiltrotor aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, has been a critical asset for the US military. Its unique design allows it to perform various missions, including troop transport, medevac, and cargo lift. However, the ongoing safety concerns and mechanical issues have overshadowed its operational capabilities.

As the US military continues to address these problems, the future of the V-22 program remains uncertain. The extended grounding period aims to ensure the safety of service members and restore confidence in the aircraft's reliability. Until all safety issues are resolved, the V-22 Ospreys will remain grounded, and their return to full flight status will depend on the successful implementation of necessary improvements.