F-35B Stealth Jet: Why The Crown Jewel Of British Navy Has Been Stranded In Kerala For A Week

News18

21-06-2025

UK's most advanced fighter jet has been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14. Sources say India offered hangar space and technical help but the British Navy declined
A British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for the seventh consecutive day, after it made an emergency landing on June 14 due to low fuel and adverse weather. The aircraft later developed a suspected hydraulic failure, which has prevented it from taking off since. The jet is widely considered a crown jewel of the Royal Navy's aviation fleet.
The jet, operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was on a routine flight outside Indian airspace when it diverted to Kerala—a designated emergency recovery site under pre-agreed contingency protocols between the Indian and UK air forces, reportedly part of Operation Highmast.
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is considered a crown jewel of the Royal Navy's aviation fleet—offering advanced stealth, short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, and highly classified sensor systems. Its presence on Indian soil, even temporarily, has drawn attention due to the tight operational secrecy surrounding the platform.
#Breaking | A British F-35 jet remains grounded in Kerala, 6 days after an emergency landing. India offered assistance, but the UK Navy declined. @kaidensharmaa shares more details @Elizasherine | #F35 #BreakingNews #IndiaUK #Kerala pic.twitter.com/blBGWheZU4 — News18 (@CNNnews18) June 21, 2025
Refused Hangar And Shelter Offers
Since landing, the F-35B has remained parked in the open on the tarmac, under close observation, with access limited to British personnel.
Initial Repairs Failed, Bigger UK Team Expected
Soon after the emergency landing, a UK Navy technical team from the HMS Prince of Wales was flown in to assess and fix the issue. According to PTI, six of those technicians returned to the ship on Tuesday afternoon, while three personnel—including the pilot—remain at Thiruvananthapuram to oversee ongoing efforts.
A larger 30-member team from the UK is now expected to arrive within 48 to 72 hours to carry out further inspections and attempt more extensive repairs. If the hydraulic fault cannot be resolved on site, a British military transport aircraft may be sent to airlift the jet out of India, sources said.
IAF And Local Support
The emergency was first detected and cleared by the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), which tracked the aircraft's distress signal and authorised the unscheduled landing. The Indian Air Force has since continued to provide logistical support.
The airport operator, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL), has been facilitating the stay of the British team by providing accommodation and meals. A local ground handling agency was also arranged at the Royal Navy's request.
Still No Clearance For Departure
While efforts to fix the snag continue, the F-35B will only be cleared for departure—whether by air or transport aircraft—after legal, diplomatic, and aviation safety clearances are in place, officials said.
First Published:
June 21, 2025, 15:12 IST