Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], June 26 (ANI): British authorities on Thursday expressed their gratitude to India for its continued assistance following the emergency landing of a British F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly two weeks ago. A spokesperson from the UK High Commission said, “We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support.”
The advanced F-35B Lightning II, a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant, was unable to return to the UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritizing safety, the pilot diverted the aircraft to Thiruvananthapuram, where it landed safely.
Following the emergency landing, the aircraft developed an engineering issue that prevented its return to the carrier. Engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales conducted an initial assessment and determined that specialized support from the UK would be required. A team of UK-based engineers and necessary equipment are now being deployed to India for further maintenance.
According to the UK High Commission, the fighter jet will be moved to a designated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility hangar once the British technical team arrives and sets up the required support structure.
In its statement, the UK High Commission acknowledged the coordinated efforts of the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and airport authorities. “Throughout this diversion incident, we have worked closely with all Indian authorities, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and are extremely grateful for their support,” the statement read.
The High Commission further noted that the ongoing logistical and security support reflects the growing cooperation and strategic partnership between the armed forces of India and the UK.
Earlier, the Indian Air Force confirmed the incident, stating that the Royal Navy F-35B had made an emergency landing on the night of June 14. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the IAF said, “A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield.”
The IAF added that its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) detected and identified the aircraft as it diverted, and swiftly cleared it for landing. The IAF continues to provide logistical support to facilitate the aircraft’s repair and eventual return to its carrier.
This incident underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and international cooperation in aviation safety and defense operations. (ANI)
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