V-22 programme officials envision full operations in 2026 while testing continues on upgraded aircraft communications

V-22 officials say they expect the aircraft – like the one shown here flying over the Northern Territory, Australia – to return to full operations in 2026. (Janes/Michael Fabey)

Joint Program Office (JPO) officials for the V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft are still targeting 2026 for the full operational return of the aircraft, according to a recent Congressional Research Service (CRS) report.

As the officials prepare for the operational return, they are still addressing some communication issues noted in a recent Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) report.

“The V-22 JPO has stated that it is working to return the Osprey to full operations in 2026 and is pursuing several upgrades to the aircraft's parts and components to improve safety and reliability,” CRS said in its report V-22 Osprey Aircraft: Background and Issues for Congress , released 12 September 2025.

“The marine corps, air force, and navy are also modifying training and implementing new operating procedures,” CRS reported.

After recent mishaps, the navy halted V-22 operations and then reinstated the operations in 2024 with a restriction that the craft remain within 30 minutes of a landing site, CRS noted. “The navy and air force fleets remain restricted to that limit, which may not be lifted until 2026.”

CRS also cited recent congressional testimony by Osprey programme officials that Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is conducting engineering testing and analysis to establish criteria for a full unrestricted flight by the V-22.

For more information about NAVAIR actions concerning V-22s, please seeNAVAIR clears V-22s for return to flight following proprotor gearbox inspections .

The US Navy (USN), V-22 JPO, NAVAIR, and Bell-Boeing were reviewing further risk reduction efforts, CRS said.