The British Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, which has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, is reportedly set to depart on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, after repairs were completed. The aircraft, valued at over $110 million, made an emergency landing due to a technical snag while en route from the UK to Australia.

The specific issue that led to the grounding was a hydraulic system failure. The pilot opted for an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram, the nearest suitable airport, facing low fuel levels and adverse weather conditions. The Indian Air Force (IAF) facilitated the landing and provided assistance.

Following the emergency landing, the aircraft was initially parked in Bay 4 under the watch of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Technicians from the HMS Prince of Wales, the UK navy aircraft carrier the jet was assigned to, were initially unsuccessful in repairing the aircraft. Later, the aircraft was moved to Air India's hangar, and a team of technicians, including those from the manufacturer, arrived from the UK to rectify the problem.

The repair process took approximately a week. To assist with the repairs, a team of around 25 UK aviation engineers arrived in Kerala on July 6 aboard a Royal Air Force Airbus A400M. They brought specialized equipment to move the aircraft into a hangar. The UK accepted India's offer to use the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.

The extended stay of the F-35B in Kerala led to some humorous reactions on social media, with memes and cartoons depicting the aircraft in various local scenarios. Kerala's tourism department even shared an image of the jet surrounded by coconut trees, accompanied by a playful review.

Airport authorities have confirmed that the aircraft has been cleared for takeoff and was moved from the hangar to the bay area on Monday, July 21, 2025. Sources suggest that the jet may either rejoin the HMS Prince of Wales or be redirected to a Royal Air Force base in the Middle East.

The grounding of the F-35B in India, a non-NATO country, sparked discussions in the British Parliament and generated online buzz. Throughout the incident, India's Ministry of Defence provided swift permissions and logistical support, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between India and the UK. The UK has expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration received from Indian authorities and airport teams. It is anticipated that the airport operator will levy a fee for the aircraft's extended stay.

With the repairs now complete, the F-35B is poised to leave Kerala, marking the end of an unusual episode that showcased international cooperation and sparked creative online commentary.