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Key Points

A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet faced hydraulic failure after an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian Air Force provided immediate support, including refueling, but repairs were unsuccessful. A larger UK maintenance team is expected to attempt recovery, possibly requiring airlifting. The incident highlights international cooperation in aviation emergencies.

Key Points: UK Navy F-35 Fighter Faces Hydraulic Failure After Emergency Landing in India

  • UK Navy F-35B suffered hydraulic failure after emergency landing
  • Indian Air Force provided refueling and support
  • Larger maintenance team en route for recovery
  • Aircraft may be airlifted if repairs fail
2 min read

UK Navy's F-35 fighter jet develops hydraulic failure, may have to be airlifted for return: Defence Officials

A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet may require airlifting after hydraulic failure post-emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram, officials confirm.

"A bigger maintenance team is expected to come to recover the aircraft. – Defence Officials"

Thiruvananthapuram, June 20

The British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, which had made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport, has developed a hydraulic failure, and possibly, it would be taken back in a military transport aircraft, said defence officials on Friday.

According to the officials, a bigger maintenance team is expected to come to recover the aircraft and if required, the aircraft may even be taken back in a military transport aircraft.

The officials said, "A few days ago, the F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy had made an emergency landing due to low fuel, after which the Indian Air Force had provided all required support, including refuelling. However, when the aircraft was going back, it developed a hydraulic failure and could not go back."

"A maintenance team of the UK Navy had come and tried to rectify the problem, but could not. A bigger maintenance team is expected to come to recover the aircraft. If required, the aircraft may even be taken back in a military transport aircraft," they added.

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.

The aircraft was 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.

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.
Good to see our IAF providing prompt assistance to foreign military aircraft in distress. This shows India's capability and willingness to help allies. Hope the UK team can fix their jet soon. Meanwhile, we should learn from their F-35 technology - our Tejas program could benefit!
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Priya M.
Hydraulic failure in such an advanced aircraft? 🤔 Makes me wonder about the reliability of these expensive foreign jets. Our Sukhois and Rafales have better track records in Indian conditions. Maybe the UK should consider Indian maintenance expertise!
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Arjun S.
Interesting that Thiruvananthapuram was designated as emergency airfield. Shows how strategically important South India is becoming for international military operations. Kerala's infrastructure is clearly world-class now!
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Sunita R.
While we help foreign militaries, I hope our government is getting proper compensation for all the support provided. These operations cost taxpayer money. The UK should bear all expenses for the recovery mission.
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Vikram J.
The IAF's response was professional as always. But I'm concerned about foreign military aircraft operating so close to our ADIZ. With China's growing presence in Indian Ocean, we need to be extra vigilant about all foreign military movements near our borders.
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Neha P.
This incident shows how international military cooperation works in practice. The UK is an important partner for India, and such professional interactions build trust. Maybe next time our pilots can get a closer look at the F-35 technology? 😉

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