Latest news with #UKCSG25


Time of India
04-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Watch: Latest visuals of F-35 at Thiruvananthapuram airport; British Navy team to arrive for repairs this week
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Latest visuals from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport show the UK Navy's F-35 fighter jet still stationed under the supervision of local authorities, days after it made an emergency landing. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to defence officials, British navy personnel are expected to arrive by the end of this week to carry out repairs and fly the aircraft back to its base. The jet, part of the British Carrier Strike Group's aircraft made an emergency landing on June 14, reportedly due to low fuel. The aircraft was returning from joint naval drills — Passage Exercise (PASSEX) — held between the and the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG25) in the western Arabian Sea. This was the UK Strike Group's first major Indo-Pacific engagement, and the emergency landing is being viewed as an isolated technical issue rather than a security concern. Airport authorities confirmed there was no damage or injuries during the landing. The F-35 has since remained under guard at the airport, pending inspection and clearance for takeoff. "UK CSG25 joined the Indian Navy for an exercise in the western Arabian Sea," read a post from the UK Carrier Strike Group. The Indian Navy had earlier stated, "INS Tabar, along with a submarine and P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy, participated in a Passage Exercise in the North Arabian Sea on 09 and 10 June 2025 with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from the UK Carrier Strike Group." The two-day drill featured a range of naval operations, including coordinated anti-submarine warfare, tactical manoeuvres, joint helicopter control, and professional interactions between naval personnel. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine ops and professional exchange of officers," the statement read. "The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties," the Navy added in its statement.


Hindustan Times
15-06-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Why a British F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing in Kerala's Trivandrum airport
A United Kingdom (UK) Navy F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night. The stealth aircraft, which is believed to have taken off from a British aircraft carrier operating in the region, touched down safely around 9:30 PM, according to airport sources. According to airport sources, cited by PTI, the aircraft had to make an emergency landing after reporting low fuel mid-flight. "The pilot reported low fuel and asked for permission to land. Everything was handled quickly and professionally," the source said. Authorities at the airport quickly declared an emergency to facilitate a smooth and safe landing for the advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft. Refuelling will take place once approval is received from the relevant authorities in the Central government, as required for any foreign military aircraft operating within Indian airspace, sources said. The jet is currently parked at the airport under tight security. Meanwhile, the Air Force officials have termed the emergency landing a routine diversion, stating it was fully aware of the situation, provided all necessary assistance, and is coordinating with relevant agencies. "This is a normal occurrence of diversion by an F-35. The IAF was fully aware and facilitated the aircraft for flight safety reasons. All assistance is being provided, and the IAF is coordinating with all relevant agencies," the IAF said in their statement. The F-35 Lightning II, developed by the US-based Lockheed Martin and used by key NATO allies including the United Kingdom, is one of the most advanced fighter jets in service globally. The Indian Navy and the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG25) conducted a joint naval drill, commonly known as a Passage Exercise (PASSEX), in the western Arabian Sea earlier this week. "UK CSG25 joined the Indian Navy for an exercise in the western Arabian Sea," read a post from the UK Carrier Strike Group. The two-day exercise included various naval activities such as coordinated anti-submarine operations, tactical manoeuvres, unified control of helicopters, and professional exchanges between naval officers.