Kagoshima (Agencies), 10 August 2025 — A British F-35B stealth fighter jet operating from the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales made an emergency landing at Kagoshima Airport in southwestern Japan on Sunday following a reported mechanical malfunction, Japanese media confirmed. The incident occurred during a joint military drill involving forces from Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Defense, the aircraft landed safely at approximately 11:30 a.m. local time after the pilot alerted air traffic control to a suspected technical issue. The runway was temporarily closed for safety checks, causing minor delays to commercial flights. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was later moved to a taxiway2.
The emergency landing marks the second reported malfunction involving a UK carrier-based F-35B in recent months. On June 14, another F-35B from HMS Prince of Wales was diverted to India due to bad weather and subsequently remained grounded for over five weeks due to a technical fault. The prolonged repair period drew media attention and public scrutiny, raising questions about the aircraft’s reliability and the UK’s logistical preparedness for extended deployments.
The HMS Prince of Wales is currently leading the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 25 (CSG25) in the Western Pacific as part of Operation Highmast, a major deployment aimed at demonstrating the UK’s ability to operate fast jets at sea and strengthen interoperability with allied forces. The carrier has visited ports across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan, and Australia since departing Portsmouth in April.
Chinese aerospace analyst Wang Ya’nan, commenting on the incident, noted that the F-35B is the most technically complex variant of the F-35 family due to its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. He suggested that the UK military may be struggling to maintain the aircraft during far-seas operations, citing the challenges of supporting U.S.-made systems without robust logistical infrastructure. Wang added that the UK’s reliance on American equipment reflects a broader alignment with U.S. global strategy, but recent technical setbacks may prompt London to reassess its operational autonomy.
Despite the setbacks, the UK’s participation in joint exercises with Japan and the U.S. continues, with drills scheduled to run through August 12. The incident has not disrupted the broader scope of the deployment, though it has reignited debate over the sustainability of high-tech platforms in extended maritime operations.