US Defence Secretary's Plane Makes Emergency Landing in UK Due to Cracked Windscreen

US Defence Secretary's Plane Lands in UK Due to Cracked Windscreen The plane carrying US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unscheduled landing in the UK on Wednesday after a cracked windscreen forced it to divert from its return flight to the US. According to the Pentagon, the aircraft landed safely at a British airfield, with everyone onboard, including Hegseth, accounted for. The incident occurred during Hegseth's return from Nato's Defence Minister meeting in Belgium, where defence ministers had gathered to discuss security concerns and policy initiatives. The plane, which was headed towards the US, began losing altitude off the south-west coast of Ireland before turning back east and landing at a UK airfield. Hegseth later tweeted that "All good. Thank God. Continue mission!" after the incident. The Defence Secretary's office declined to comment further on the matter. The Pentagon confirmed that the plane landed based on standard procedures due to a crack in the aircraft windshield. A spokesperson for the Department of Defense stated, "The safety of our personnel is always our top priority, and we take all necessary precautions to ensure their well-being." This incident marks the second time in recent months that a government plane carrying a high-ranking official has been forced to turn back due to a cracked window. In February, a plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio had to divert after a crack was discovered in the cockpit window. The Nato meeting in Belgium focused on security concerns and policy initiatives, including discussions on military aid to Ukraine and the ongoing conflict with Russia. The incident has raised questions about the safety protocols in place for government officials traveling by air. A spokesperson for the US Embassy in London said that Hegseth's plane was cleared for takeoff after undergoing routine maintenance checks before departing from Belgium. "We take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our personnel, and this incident is being investigated," the spokesperson added. The incident has sparked debate among lawmakers and defence experts about the safety measures in place for government officials traveling by air. Some have called for increased scrutiny of aircraft maintenance procedures and emergency protocols. As Hegseth's plane remains grounded in the UK, officials are working to determine the cause of the cracked windscreen and ensure that all necessary repairs are made before it can resume its journey. The incident is expected to be thoroughly investigated, with findings likely to be released in the coming days. The Pentagon has assured that Hegseth will continue his duties as Defence Secretary despite the incident. "We remain committed to our mission and will not let this incident disrupt our operations," a spokesperson said. *Reporting by Bbc.*