A British fifth-generation F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at a civilian airport in the city of Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu. Its runway was temporarily closed, which disrupted flight schedules, Kyodo news agency reported.
The aircraft is apparently part of the carrier-based aviation of the British aircraft carrier „Prince of Wales“, which is currently in the area of Japan with escort ships. This aircraft carrier group is conducting exercises with the Japanese fleet.
British F-35B aircraft made vertical landings on the deck of the Japanese helicopter carrier „Kaga“, which is currently being modernized into a light aircraft carrier. Tokyo intends to purchase more than 40 such fighters from the United States or produce them under American license.
The British carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier “Prince of Wales“, has been on a mission in the Indian and Pacific Oceans since June. This ship can carry up to 24 F-35B fighters, 16 Merlin and Wildcat helicopters, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles.