A recent hearing before U.S. lawmakers has revealed concerning trends regarding the readiness rates of the V-22 Osprey aircraft. While officials from the Navy and Marine Corps reported advancements in addressing a critical gearbox issue affecting operations since 2023, lawmakers expressed significant concerns about declining readiness and increasing mishaps within the fleet.
During a session of the House Armed Services subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and Readiness, Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.) highlighted the alarming number of “hangar queens,” referring to aircraft that are grounded due to maintenance issues. He stated, “These readiness trends are out of line with the balance of the Naval Aviation enterprise and need to be rapidly addressed.”
The hearing coincided with the release of a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which indicated that the rate of serious accidents involving the Marine Corps and Air Force had surpassed the average for both fixed and rotary aircraft fleets for nearly every year since 2019, with fiscal years 2023 and 2024 showing particularly high rates of Class A and Class B mishaps. These classifications denote incidents causing damages exceeding $600,000 or resulting in serious injury.
Despite these findings, the Navy has notably not reported any Class A or Class B mishaps since the Osprey entered service in 2021. Diana Moldafsky, a GAO director, emphasized the need for improved communication regarding safety and risk management among the three military branches. “The service members, the pilots, talk to each other… but not anything that’s formalized,” Moldafsky remarked, stressing that formal communication is essential for reducing operational risks.
The Marine Corps is currently producing and delivering enhanced gearboxes at a rate of 12 per month to all military branches. Brig. Gen. David Walsh, program executive officer for Air Anti-Submarine Warfare, Assault, and Special Mission Programs at Naval Air Systems Command, noted that these efforts are crucial for lifting airworthiness controls that have constrained full flight operations since March 2024.
“The V-22 provides unmatched operational capability and flexibility. It’s in high demand across the joint force because of the unique warfighting advantage it provides our warriors,” Walsh stated. He assured that the military is committed to ensuring the safety and readiness of the Osprey platform.
Moreover, Vice Admiral John Dougherty, commander of NAVAIR, reported that there have been zero hard clutch engagements—mechanical failures linked to a fatal crash in 2022—since the implementation of service life limits on the input quill assembly in February 2023. He also announced plans for a more robust design set to be fielded by late 2027, aimed at addressing future safety and readiness concerns.
As outlined in the Marine Corps’ aviation plan for 2026, which was also presented during the hearing, the new design will utilize refined triple-melt steel components. This upgrade is projected to allow for an unrestricted operational fleet by December 2027, with a complete transition to updated gearboxes for all aircraft by January 2033.
Despite these positive forecasts, current mission-capable rates remain troubling. A comprehensive review conducted by NAVAIR in 2025 cited mission-capable rates around 60 percent, while the figures presented by Walsh and Dougherty indicated even lower rates: approximately 50 percent for the Marine Corps and 40 percent for the Navy.
The hearing revealed a sense of skepticism among lawmakers regarding the Osprey’s future. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-N.J.) questioned whether the military had been “stubbornly dedicated” to the V-22 platform amid these challenges. Nevertheless, military officials reaffirmed their commitment to the Osprey’s future, with Dougherty declaring that ensuring the airworthiness of the aircraft remains a top priority.
“As the airworthiness authority, I can assure you that we’ve identified clear actions we’re taking, including controls that are in place for our aircraft that are flying today,” Dougherty stated. This commitment reflects an ongoing effort to enhance the safety and operational capabilities of the V-22 Osprey as it continues to serve a vital role in military operations.
