The Japanese and US militaries are conducting a large-scale earthquake drill off Japan, but without the presence of a controversial aircraft.

The US Marines’ Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft was supposed to take part in today’s (Friday) drill, but officials decided against using the Osprey at the last minute.

Officials haven’t said why the Osprey didn’t join the drill, but the reason is thought to be bad weather.

The drill is the first to simulate a massive quake predicted to hit the Nankai Trough off Japan, and the Osprey was tasked with transport relief missions.

The Osprey is controversial in Japan.

Its safety record has led some locals to oppose its deployment at a US base in a densely populated part of Okinawa island.