A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet remains stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, a week after making an emergency landing on June 14, 2025. The stealth fighter, operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was conducting routine operations in the Arabian Sea when it was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to what was initially reported as low fuel. However, the situation has proven more complex, with reports indicating a suspected hydraulic system failure and potential engine damage.

Initially, it was believed that the F-35B, piloted by Captain Mike, had simply run low on fuel due to bad weather and was unable to land back on the HMS Prince of Wales. The Indian Air Force (IAF) extended support, facilitating the landing and providing refuelling. However, as the aircraft prepared for departure, a hydraulic failure was detected, preventing the jet from taking off.

Subsequent investigations have suggested that the problem may be more severe than initially assessed. Some reports speculate that the aircraft suffered engine damage as a result of fuel starvation. The F-35B reportedly landed with minimal fuel reserves, potentially causing the engine to run without adequate fuel flow, thus stressing critical engine components.

A maintenance team from the UK Navy was dispatched to Thiruvananthapuram to address the technical issues. However, their initial efforts to rectify the problem were unsuccessful. A larger team of technicians and engineers is now expected to arrive from the United Kingdom to conduct more extensive repairs. Defence officials have indicated that if on-site repairs prove unfeasible, the aircraft may need to be airlifted back to its carrier or to a maintenance facility via a military transport aircraft.

The incident has raised some questions about the stealth capabilities of the F-35. Following the emergency landing, the Indian Air Force (IAF) stated that the aircraft was "detected and identified" by the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This has led to discussions about how easily the aircraft can be tracked, despite its design as a stealth fighter.

The stranded F-35B is currently parked in Bay 4 of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, under the guard of armed personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Although India offered to relocate the aircraft to a hangar for repairs, the Royal Navy declined due to security concerns related to the jet's sensitive technology, including its stealth coatings and sensor fusion systems.

This is not the first time that a UK Navy aircraft has faced an unusual situation. In 1983, a Sea Harrier landed on a Spanish cargo ship after running low on fuel and losing its mothership.

The incident involving the stranded F-35B highlights the challenges of operating advanced military aircraft and the complexities of international defense cooperation. While the focus remains on resolving the technical issues and ensuring the safe return of the aircraft, the situation also underscores the importance of robust maintenance and support infrastructure for these sophisticated machines.