A state-of-the-art UK F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, more than ten days after making an emergency landing on June 14, 2025. The incident has evolved into a logistical and potentially diplomatic challenge for the United Kingdom, compounded by the ongoing monsoon season in the region.
The F-35B, belonging to the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to adverse weather conditions while operating approximately 100 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala. Initial reports suggested low fuel as the primary reason for the emergency landing. However, it has since been revealed that the aircraft has developed a significant "engineering issue" that is preventing its return to service. Some reports indicate a critical hydraulic system failure.
The British High Commission has officially acknowledged the situation, stating that they are working to repair the aircraft as quickly as possible and thanking Indian authorities for their support. However, a firm timeline for the completion of repairs remains uncertain. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales have assessed the aircraft, determining that a specialized engineering team from the UK is required to address the problem.
The delay in repairing the F-35B has raised concerns for several reasons. Firstly, the aircraft is currently parked in open view on the tarmac, exposed to the elements of the monsoon season, including persistent rain, high humidity, and coastal moisture. Experts warn that this prolonged exposure could lead to corrosion or degradation of the aircraft's sensitive components, stealth materials, composites, and tightly sealed airframe structures, potentially complicating the repair process further.
Secondly, the incident has drawn attention to the maintenance challenges associated with advanced fifth-generation aircraft like the F-35. The lack of immediate local support infrastructure for such a sophisticated combat aircraft has further complicated the situation.
To mitigate disruptions to regular airport operations, plans are underway to move the F-35B to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility hangar at the airport once the specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive. However, the delay in moving the aircraft to a sheltered space has been viewed by some as a logistical misstep, given the jet's symbolic importance to British air power and NATO interoperability.
There have been conflicting reports regarding offers to move the aircraft to a hangar earlier. Some sources claim the Royal Navy declined such offers due to the sensitive nature of the F-35's classified systems.
The potential long-term solutions being considered include airlifting the F-35B back to a specialized repair facility in the UK using a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. This option highlights the complexities of maintaining advanced military assets abroad, particularly in a non-NATO country like India. The grounding of the F-35B also raises questions about the platform's maintenance challenges, a recurring issue that has been noted in the past.
