A plane carrying U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom on Wednesday due to a crack in the aircraft's windshield, the Pentagon confirmed.
The incident occurred as Hegseth was returning to the United States from NATO's Defense Ministers meeting in Belgium, where officials discussed security matters related to Ukraine.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated on X that the plane landed based on standard procedures and everyone onboard, including Secretary Hegseth, is safe.
The aircraft, a Boeing model, was off the coast of southern Ireland when the issue arose, prompting a descent to 10,000 feet, a standard emergency altitude associated with possible cabin depressurization.
It touched down at Royal Air Force Mildenhall.
Hegseth later posted on X: "All good. Thank God. Continue mission!"
The cause of the windshield crack remains unclear.
This event unfolded during Hegseth's brief trip to Brussels for the NATO gathering.
Defense ministers convened on Wednesday to address ongoing security challenges in Ukraine.
Flight tracking data indicated the plane's deviation from its planned route back to the U.S.
Upon landing, standard safety protocols were followed without further complications.
Parnell's announcement emphasized the routine nature of the response to such mechanical anomalies.
Hegseth, confirmed unharmed, proceeded with his schedule after the landing.
The Pentagon has not released additional details on the aircraft's inspection or repair timeline.
This marks the latest in a series of mechanical problems affecting U.S. military aircraft transporting senior officials.
Earlier this year, a U.S. Air Force plane carrying Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Munich returned to Washington following a cockpit window crack in February.
More recently, less than a month ago, President Donald Trump and the first lady transferred helicopters due to a minor hydraulic issue en route to Stansted Airport in England.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described that September 18 incident as involving a safe switch to a support helicopter.
These episodes highlight recurring maintenance challenges for high-profile government flights.
Officials continue to prioritize safety amid such occurrences.
The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to rigorous aircraft protocols.