The Japanese bought several pattern aircraft and from 1921 to 1923 built 102, with work started by the Army Supply Depot at Tokorozawa until taken over by Nakajima. These were later designated as the Ko 3, however the Japanese did not distinguish between the 24 and the 27, initially calling both the Ni 24. Most of their Nieuport 24s were fitted with the Le Rhône 9C. The Japanese operated them until the 1926, much longer than they did their SPAD S.XIIIs, which were retired in 1922.