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The British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet is now set to be moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, after nearly two weeks of being parked in the open at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The move comes as UK engineering teams prepare to arrive in India with the necessary specialist equipment to begin inspection and repairs.
Confirming the development, a spokesperson for the British High Commission said:
“A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft.”
“The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.”
Jet Remains Under Tight Security
The fifth-generation fighter jet has been parked on an outdoor bay at the civilian airport since June 14, when it made an emergency landing after several failed attempts to return to its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.
The pilot, running low on fuel due to poor weather conditions, activated the emergency transponder code SQUAWK 7700 and was guided to safety by the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System.
The aircraft has remained under constant surveillance by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), with access tightly controlled due to the sensitive nature of the F-35B’s stealth systems and onboard technologies.
Why the Jet Stayed Outdoors
Though airport authorities and Air India initially offered to move the jet indoors, British officials were reportedly reluctant. Concerns were raised over the possibility of unauthorized access to the F-35B’s protected technology, including its stealth materials and advanced sensor systems. This hesitation, sources say, delayed relocation to covered facilities.
However, with the UK now accepting the offer to use the MRO hangar, the F-35B will soon be sheltered, potentially sparing further exposure to Kerala’s monsoon conditions and allowing technicians a more secure environment for repairs.
Mounting Parking Fees Likely
Airport authorities have confirmed that parking charges for the British aircraft are being considered. Though the exact figure has not been finalized, the matter is likely to be referred to the Union government for a decision.
UK and US Teams En Route
Despite efforts by Royal Navy technicians already on-site, a suspected hydraulic issue has not yet been resolved. A specialized team of around 40 engineers from the UK, along with support from US personnel, is expected to arrive shortly. They will assess the jet’s condition and attempt repairs on the ground.
If that fails, officials are considering a backup plan: transporting the fighter out of India using a heavy-lift freighter aircraft.
A First for the F-35B
This incident marks the first recorded case of a British F-35B being stranded in a foreign country. Built in the United States, the jet is a core component of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group and was deployed for joint naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific, including engagements with Indian forces.
Its emergency landing has attracted attention from aviation watchers and defence analysts, with the F-35B becoming an unusual sight at one of India’s busiest international airports.
A Diplomatic Test, and a Military Partnership on Display
Despite the technical setback, both Indian and British authorities have managed the situation with coordination and mutual respect.
While the aircraft remains grounded, the larger story unfolding is one of evolving defence ties and real-time crisis cooperation between two strategic partners. For now, the F-35B waits for repairs, the parking meter keeps ticking—and Kerala continues to host one of the world’s most advanced warplanes in an entirely unexpected setting.
