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Key Points

The UK High Commission expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for assisting their stranded F-35B fighter jet in Kerala. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport due to bad weather and technical issues. Indian Air Force and Navy provided logistical and security support during the incident. The collaboration underscores growing defense ties between India and the UK.

Key Points: UK Thanks India for F-35B Emergency Landing Support in Kerala

  • UK F-35B diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to adverse weather
  • Engineers assessing jet for repairs with Indian assistance
  • IAF cleared emergency landing after detecting aircraft
  • Incident highlights UK-India defense coordination
2 min read

UK High Commission thanks India for support, says working to repair the F-35B stuck at Kerala

British High Commission appreciates Indian authorities for aiding stranded UK F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

"We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support – UK High Commission"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 26

British authorities on Thursday thanked India for their constant support after the British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport nearly a fortnight ago.

The High Commission spokesperson 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 UK aircraft was unable to return to UK Aircraft Carrier, 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 has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground, which precluded its return to the Carrier. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft, and it was decided that the support of a UK-based engineering team was needed, according to a statement from the UK High Commission

The aircraft will be moved to a space in the maintenance repair and overhaul facility hangar once specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive.

The UK High Commission said, "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 High Commission further stated that continuing security and organisational support provided by India demonstrates close coordination and deepening relationship that exists between the Armed Forces of the UK and India.

Earlier, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that a British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14 night.

In a post on X, the IAF had 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."

"On having declared a diversion off an emergency, the F-35 B was detected and identified by the IAF's IACCS network and cleared for the recovery. IAF is providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft," the IAF added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This shows how strong India-UK defense ties are becoming! 🇮🇳🤝🇬🇧 It's good that our IAF handled the situation professionally. Hope the repairs go smoothly and the aircraft can return safely. Kerala's airports proving their worth as emergency landing sites!
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Priya M.
While it's good to help allies, I wonder if we're getting any technical insights from this incident? The F-35 is one of the most advanced jets - our engineers should observe and learn. After all, we're providing the facility and support!
A
Arjun S.
Thiruvananthapuram airport proving its strategic importance again! Last year it was the US aircraft, now UK. Shows why we need to develop more such facilities along our coastline. Good diplomacy by India here - helping when needed builds trust.
S
Sunita R.
The British are being very polite in their thanks, but let's not forget our colonial history. While we should help in emergencies, we must ensure such access isn't misused. Our defense protocols must remain strict - no compromises on security!
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Vikram J.
Interesting that the jet developed problems AFTER landing. Makes you wonder about the reliability of these expensive foreign aircraft. Meanwhile our Tejas keeps flying without such drama! Maybe the UK should look at Indian defense tech too 😉
N
Neha P.
As a Malayali, proud to see our airport handling such situations! But hope the local authorities are compensated properly for the space and resources being used. These things shouldn't come at Kerala's expense.

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