Pentagon lifting ban on V-22 Osprey flights
The Pentagon will lift the ban on flights by the grounded V-22 Osprey next week following a high-level meeting where Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorsed the military services' plans for a safe return to operations. The Osprey has been grounded for almost three months following crashes in Japan and Australia that are still under investigation.
Key Points
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin endorsed plans for a safe return to operations
- Naval Air Systems Command will lift the ban on Osprey flights
- U.S. military will share plans with Japan before resuming flights
- Military-wide grounding has impacted U.S. Marine Corps and other branches
Pros
- Endorsement of military services' plans for a safe return to operations
- Mitigation of known material failure through safety checks
- Establishment of a new, more conservative approach to operating the Osprey
Cons
- Recent crashes in Japan and Australia are still under investigation
- Osprey flight ban has impacted various branches of the military