A Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet is currently grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, following an emergency landing on June 14, 2025. The incident has sparked considerable attention and even some humor, with Kerala Tourism playfully suggesting the jet has extended its "staycation" due to the state's allure. However, the situation is more complex than a simple holiday mishap.

The F-35B, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was conducting operations in the Arabian Sea when adverse weather and low fuel necessitated an emergency landing. The Indian Air Force (IAF) facilitated the safe landing, providing refueling and logistical support. However, upon pre-departure checks, a hydraulic failure was discovered, preventing the jet from safely taking off or landing.

Initial repair attempts by a small Royal Navy team were unsuccessful due to the complexity of the issue. The UK is now exploring the option of partially dismantling the jet and airlifting it back to the United Kingdom in a military cargo aircraft. Despite multiple on-site repair attempts, the fifth-generation stealth aircraft remained non-operational due to an unresolved engineering fault. Plans to bring in a dedicated support team from the UK have also been delayed.

The Royal Navy initially declined an offer from Air India to move the aircraft into a hangar, possibly due to concerns about protecting its advanced technology. However, after enduring monsoon rains for days, British officials agreed to relocate the jet indoors for protection. The jet is currently stationed at Bay 4 of the airport and is being guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the F-35 program in global operations and the security of the jet's stealth technology. Some reports indicate that UK lawmakers are worried about the potential compromise of sensitive technology. The grounding has also triggered a series of memes, with one user humorously listing the jet for sale on OLX for $4 million.

A larger maintenance team is expected to recover the aircraft. A team of 40 experts, along with a specialized tow vehicle, were expected to be flown in from the UK to fix the glitch. The British High Commission has expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their continued support. The situation highlights the strong defense ties between the UK and India, even as it presents logistical and technical challenges.