The UK Royal Navy F -35B could not fly back after hydraulic failure; Fighter jet can return through military transport plane: Defense Officer | Bharat News
New Delhi: A British Royal Navy F -35B fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport on 14 June, was confirmed by defense officials on Friday. The aircraft can now be taken back to its carrier through a military transport aircraft if on-ground repairs remain unsuccessful.The UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales was operating a regular flying outside the Indian airspace and nominated Thiruvananthapuram as his emergency recovery airspace. According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the jet was forced to land due to low fuel.Defense officials said, “A few days ago, the UK Navy’s F -35 fighter jet made an emergency landing due to low fuel, after which the Indian Air Force provided all the necessary support, including fuel filling,” said the defense officials. “However, when the aircraft was going back, it developed a hydraulic failure and did not return.”The UK Navy maintenance team initially attempted repair on the site, but failed to improve the issue. Now, a major maintenance team is expected to come to assess further options.“If necessary, the aircraft can be taken back into a military transport aircraft,” the officials said.In an earlier statement on X, IAF confirmed that emergency recovery was detected and managed through its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACS), and it continues to assist with technical assistance for the aircraft.
