A Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, for almost a week, creating a flurry of news and speculation. The incident, which began on June 14, 2025, has drawn attention to the deepening defense cooperation between the UK and India, while also raising questions about the operational challenges of advanced military aircraft.

The F-35B, valued at over $100 million, made an emergency landing after the pilot declared low fuel. Initial reports suggested that bad weather and choppy sea conditions prevented the aircraft from landing on the HMS Prince of Wales, the UK's flagship aircraft carrier, which was operating approximately 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. However, later reports indicate that the aircraft may have been diverted due to a suspected hydraulic system failure.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in the emergency landing, with its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) identifying and clearing the stealth aircraft for recovery. This has led to speculation about India's ability to track sophisticated, low-observable aircraft, though it's worth noting that the F-35B likely switched off its stealth mode when declaring an emergency. The IAF has provided all necessary support, including refueling, for the aircraft's return.

Following the landing, Royal Navy technicians were airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram to assess and repair the aircraft. However, initial repair efforts were unsuccessful, and a larger maintenance team is expected to arrive to conduct further assessments. Some reports suggest that the delay in departure may be due to engine damage caused by fuel starvation, as the aircraft was reportedly running on minimal fuel reserves during its final approach.

The grounded F-35B has become a high-profile presence at the Thiruvananthapuram airport, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and the media. The aircraft is currently parked in Bay No. 4, under a strict security cordon maintained by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

Interestingly, the Royal Navy declined an offer from Air India to house the F-35B in a hangar, reportedly due to concerns about protecting the jet's advanced technologies. This decision has resulted in the aircraft being exposed to the elements, with heavy monsoon winds and rain complicating repair efforts.

Despite the challenges, the incident has highlighted the growing strategic alignment and defense cooperation between the UK and India. The seamless coordination between the two countries in handling the emergency landing underscores the trust and interoperability that has been developed through joint training, technology sharing, and strategic alignment. Some analysts believe that this partnership could broaden further if tensions in the Middle East escalate.

As the F-35B remains grounded, the focus is on resolving the technical issues and ensuring the safe return of the aircraft to its carrier group. While the incident has presented some logistical and security challenges, it has also served as a testament to the strong and evolving defense relationship between the UK and India.