The British Royal Navy’s state-of-the-art F-35B fighter jet had to make an emergency landing at Kagoshima International Airport in Japan due to a technical fault. This incident happened during the deployment of the British Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region. Due to this sudden landing at the airport, the runway remained closed for about 20 minutes and six scheduled flights were delayed.
The British Royal Navy said the plane was undergoing urgent inspection due to a technical fault and would soon return to service with its carrier strike group. Footage from Japan’s state-run NHK news channel showed the plane parked alongside the runway with no major damage. Kagoshima Airport officials said the pilot had reported a mechanical problem to air traffic control and requested a safe landing.
F-35B fighter has also been grounded in India
This is the second case of technical fault in the British F-35B fighter aircraft. Earlier on June 14, an F-35B flying from Britain to Australia had to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport in Kerala due to hydraulic failure. Then this aircraft was grounded in India for about 37 days, which caused a lot of delay in flying.
This incident has raised questions about the reliability of this American-made fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Especially when the US is trying to sell this aircraft to India, but the Indian Air Force has not shown interest in accepting it. The main reasons behind this are the maintenance cost of the aircraft and the delay in logistical support.
India’s emphasis on self-reliant defense strategy
India is prioritizing its indigenous technology and production instead of relying on such foreign aircraft. The Indian Air Force is currently focused on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project, which will be the country’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. This project is considered a major step towards self-reliance and technological advancement in India’s defense sector.
Britain has a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific
The British Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Strike Group has recently conducted a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy. Currently, the group is conducting regional security and strategic exercises in collaboration with the Japan Self-Defense Force and the US Army, which will continue till August 12. China and other neighboring countries are also keeping an eye on Britain’s growing military presence in the region.