New Delhi, June 15 (H.S.): The UK Navy's F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night due to low fuel. The Indian Air Force provided immediate assistance for flight safety, and coordination with various agencies is ongoing. The aircraft remains at Thiruvananthapuram as it awaits central government approval to commence refueling. The F-35 took off from a British aircraft carrier in the region and requested permission to land after reporting low fuel, prompting the airport authorities to declare an emergency.

The Indian Air Force characterized the incident as a routine diversion and is actively supporting the aircraft, which is under tight security at the airport. The refueling process will start once the necessary approvals are received, as mandated for foreign military aircraft in Indian airspace. Earlier in the week, the Indian Navy and the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG25) engaged in a joint naval exercise in the western Arabian Sea, involving coordinated anti-submarine operations, tactical maneuvers, helicopter control, and exchanges among naval officers, showcasing collaborative readiness and strengthening ties between the two navies.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar