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Key Points

The UK has thanked India for assisting in the repair of an F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram. British engineers worked for over a month to fix the hydraulic issue before the jet departed safely. The incident highlights growing defence collaboration between India and the UK. The stealth aircraft is now back in active service with the Royal Navy.

Key Points: UK Thanks India for F-35 Jet Emergency Landing Support

  • UK F-35B diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to adverse weather
  • Indian Air Force provided refuelling and logistical support
  • UK engineering team repaired hydraulic fault over a month
  • Aircraft resumes active service after safety checks
3 min read

''Very grateful for support, collaboration of Indian authorities throughout repair, recovery process', UK expresses thanks after F-35 departs India

British High Commission expresses gratitude to Indian authorities for aiding UK F-35B aircraft repair after emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram.

"The UK remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities – British High Commission Spokesperson"

New Delhi, July 22

A British High Commission Spokesperson on Tuesday, expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities for the support offered in the repair and recovery process of a UK F-35B aircraft which had landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, due to an emergency diversion.

In an official statement, the British High Commission Spokesperson said, "A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on June 14, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. A UK engineering team, deployed since July 06 completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to resume active service."

"The UK remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process", the statement added.

The High Commission Spokesperson underscored in their remarks, "We look forward to continuing to strengthen our defence partnership with India."

A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely.

The aircraft subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded temporarily delayed its return to the Carrier Strike Group. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK based engineering team was needed.

The UK had accepted India's offer to move the aircraft in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. To ensure minimal disruption to regular airport operations, it was decided to move the aircraft once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment.

British Navy's F-35 fighter jet finally took off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Tuesday after remaining grounded at the airport for over a month following a fault in the hydraulic system.

The fighter jet had made an emergency landing at the airport on June 14.

The British Navy aircraft is a part of the UK Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.

The fighter jet was out on a routine sortie when it developed a snag and could not land on the ship. The plane reached the Thiruvananthapuram airport, which was designated as the emergency recovery airfield, and requested emergency landing permission.

The Indian Air Force provided all required support and assisted in the process, including refuelling.

F-35Bs are highly advanced stealth jets, built by Lockheed Martin, and are prized for their short take-off and vertical landing capability.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the diplomatic gesture, I hope we charged them proper parking fees for keeping their jet at our airport for over a month! Our infrastructure isn't free to use.
R
Rohit P
This shows how India's strategic location is becoming increasingly important in global defense scenarios. Thiruvananthapuram airport proving its worth as an emergency recovery base!
S
Sarah B
As someone working in aviation, I'm impressed by how seamlessly this was handled. The coordination between Indian and UK teams sets a good example for international cooperation.
V
Vikram M
Hope our defense forces got to learn something from this advanced F-35 technology during its stay. Such opportunities are rare and valuable for our engineers!
N
Nisha Z
While the cooperation is commendable, I wonder if this incident exposed any security vulnerabilities at our airports? Hope proper protocols were followed for such sensitive military equipment.
D
David E
The real story here is how India's MRO capabilities are being recognized globally. This incident might attract more international military aircraft for repairs in India.

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