A British Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, a week after making an emergency landing on June 14, 2025. The advanced aircraft, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was en route back to its base after participating in joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy when it was forced to make an unscheduled landing due to critically low fuel levels, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions over the Arabian Sea.
Initially, authorities expected the aircraft to resume its journey shortly after refuelling. However, a technical malfunction, specifically a hydraulic system failure, was detected, further delaying its departure. A Royal Navy helicopter subsequently airlifted a team of British engineers and a replacement pilot to the site in an attempt to rectify the issue. Despite their efforts, the aircraft has remained unresponsive to take-off commands.
The ongoing situation has prompted a fresh UK crew, consisting of over 30 members and carrying spare parts, to travel to Kerala to conduct a thorough inspection of the F-35B. Sources indicate that the team's travel details are still being finalized. Following their assessment, a decision will be made regarding whether to move the aircraft to a hangar for further repairs.
Interestingly, the Royal Navy had previously declined an offer from Air India to utilize hangar space at the airport. Sources suggest that concerns surrounding the "protected technologies" onboard the F-35B may have influenced this decision, with British authorities possibly reluctant to allow close examination of the aircraft's advanced systems. Some reports indicate that Britain is apprehensive of moving the jet to a hangar for fear of Indians getting know-how of the cutting-edge technical systems.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended its full support, providing refuelling and facilitating the emergency landing for flight safety reasons. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is providing security cover for the jet. Despite this cooperation, there has been a noticeable lack of coverage in British media, leading to speculation about a deliberate effort by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to downplay the incident, which some consider "embarrassing" for the Royal Navy.
The F-35B, valued at over $100 million, is renowned for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, enabling it to operate from aircraft carriers and short runways. The prolonged grounding raises questions about the Royal Navy's operational readiness and the logistical challenges of maintaining such advanced aircraft in overseas locations. The incident has garnered significant attention in Indian media, with discussions ranging from serious analysis to lighthearted social media commentary.
