WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will deploy a second squadron of the MV-22 Osprey to Okinawa despite controversy over the aircraft, officials said Monday.

Amid persistent local worries and community protests about the safety of the aircraft, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and his Japanese counterpart Itsunori Onodera said 12 more aircraft will be sent there this summer. The two defense chiefs made the announcement at a joint press conference after a Pentagon meeting Monday on a range of issues.