Royal Navy F-35B Fighter Jet Departs India After Emergency Landing and Repairs
A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport last month has successfully departed for Australia, following comprehensive engineering repairs and safety assessments.
According to a statement released by the British High Commission in India, the fifth-generation stealth aircraft was grounded after it developed an engineering fault on the ground, despite initially landing without incident on June 14.
The aircraft was part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group operating from the HMS Prince of Wales, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. The jet was forced to divert to the Indian airport due to adverse weather conditions, which made it unsafe to return to the aircraft carrier.
Repairs Required Specialist Support
A preliminary assessment was conducted by engineers from the HMS Prince of Wales, but the complexity of the issue required additional expertise. A specialist engineering team from the UK was flown in and arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on July 6 to carry out the repairs.
“After completing comprehensive diagnostics and safety inspections, the team cleared the aircraft for departure,” a spokesperson for the British High Commission confirmed.
Diplomatic and Operational Cooperation
The successful resolution of the incident highlights ongoing defence and logistical cooperation between the United Kingdom and India. Indian aviation authorities provided full support in facilitating the maintenance and safeguarding the advanced fighter jet during its unplanned stopover.
The jet has now rejoined operational duties and is en route to Australia, where the UK’s Carrier Strike Group will take part in joint exercises with regional allies.
