The Japanese government will send inspectors to Marine Corps bases on Okinawa to verify the safety of U.S. aircraft after a spate of recent incidents drew pointed criticism from lawmakers across the country.
The idea was floated Tuesday by Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and confirmed Wednesday evening by U.S. Forces Japan.
Called an "information exchange" by USFJ officials, the plan involves dispatching Japan Ground Self-Defense Force aircraft maintenance specialists to Marine Corps Air Station Futenma Thursday to be briefed about recent aircraft malfunctions in AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters. After verifying that any issues have been rectified, they will report back to Onodera's office, which will then decide if the Marines' explanations make sense from a technical standpoint.
Both aircraft experienced emergency landings on Okinawa in January.
"The U.S. suspended, checked and maintained AH-1Zs then resumed operation, so we will receive reports from the U.S. to see whether it was appropriate or not," Onodera told reporters on Tuesday. "Self-Defense Forces operate the same type of helicopters, so we would like to send specialists who have knowledge on maintenance and such."
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https://www.military.com/daily-news/2018/01/31/japanese-inspectors-verify-us-aircraft-safety-okinawa.html?ESRC=airforce_a_180131.nl
