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A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, despite ongoing repair efforts, the fifth-generation stealth aircraft remains parked at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, with no clear timeline for its return to service. This aircraft has been grounded for more than ten days after an emergency landing on June 14.
The advanced fighter jet — valued at approximately $110 million — was forced to divert from its intended route due to unfavourable weather and fuel concerns during a routine operation in the Indian Ocean. The aircraft was operating from the UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
It has been reported previously, that after landing, however, the aircraft developed a hydraulic system malfunction while on the ground, rendering it unable to take off. Hydraulic systems are critical for the operation of essential functions like flight controls and landing gear, making the aircraft unfit for flight until repairs are completed.
Initial inspection and repair attempts by technicians from the carrier were unsuccessful, prompting the deployment of a specialist engineering team from the United Kingdom. Until they arrive with the required equipment, the aircraft remains stationed in the open, monitored by India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
A spokesperson from the British High Commission stated: “We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support.”
Authorities are considering moving the aircraft to a secure hangar within the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) area to shield it from Kerala’s heavy monsoon rains. That step will only be possible once UK engineers and lifting equipment reach the site.
The diversion of the aircraft triggered immediate coordination between UK and Indian authorities, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and airport officials. The level of support extended — from facilitating landing clearance to ground security — has been highlighted by both sides as an example of growing bilateral defence cooperation.
According to sources, “The safe landing, logistics and continuing support provided by India in responding to this situation further demonstrates the close coordination and deepening relationship that exists between the Armed Forces of the UK and India.”
If repairs in India are unsuccessful, military sources say the F-35B could be dismantled and transported back to the UK using a heavy-lift aircraft — a complicated and expensive backup option.
The F-35B variant is designed for short take-off and vertical landing, making it ideal for carrier-based operations. Built by Lockheed Martin, it’s one of the most technologically advanced jets in service today and a key asset in NATO’s defence infrastructure.
For now, the British stealth jet remains grounded on Indian soil — a rare and unexpected episode involving one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
