Thiruvananthapuram (National Times): A United Kingdom Navy F-35 fighter jet was forced to make an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday evening due to a low fuel warning, according to defence and airport sources. The aircraft was part of the British Carrier Strike Group’s (UK CSG25) deployment in the Indo-Pacific region and is currently stationed at the airport pending further evaluation.
Officials confirmed that the jet, which had taken off from the UK’s flagship aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, landed safely without any injuries or damage. More details on the incident are awaited.
The emergency landing comes just days after the Indian Navy and the UK Carrier Strike Group conducted a high-level bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the western Arabian Sea — marking a significant step in maritime cooperation between the two nations.
UK-India Naval Ties Strengthen Through Joint Drill
The joint exercise, which took place on June 9 and 10, involved the Indian Navy warship INS Tabar, a submarine, and a P-8I maritime surveillance aircraft coordinating with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from the British fleet.
The two-day PASSEX featured a range of naval operations, including anti-submarine warfare drills, tactical manoeuvres, unified helicopter operations, and professional exchanges between officers of both navies.
In a statement, the Indian Navy highlighted the strategic importance of the exercise: “The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine ops, and professional exchange of officers. The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties.”
This marked the UK Carrier Strike Group’s first major engagement since entering the Indo-Pacific theatre — a region of increasing strategic importance for both India and the UK.
Separate Maritime Emergency Successfully Handled
In another maritime development earlier on Saturday, Indian authorities confirmed the successful handover of the fire-stricken container vessel MV Wan Hai 503 to the tug Offshore Warrior by the Indian Coast Guard, Navy, and Air Force.
The vessel had previously drifted dangerously close to Kerala’s coast following an onboard fire. As of now, it is being safely held 35 nautical miles offshore, with firefighting efforts still underway and only minimal smoke remaining. Authorities are ensuring that it remains at a safe distance of 50 nautical miles from the shoreline.
Looking Ahead
The emergency landing of the British F-35 and the recent joint exercises come at a time of increasing military and strategic collaboration between India and its global allies. With the UK reinforcing its Indo-Pacific strategy, maritime cooperation with India is expected to continue growing.
Both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peace, stability, and freedom of navigation in international waters, goals underpinned by these high-profile joint operations and exercises.
