Watch: Latest visuals of F-35 at Thiruvananthapuram airport; British Navy team to arrive for repairs this week
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According to defence officials, British navy personnel are expected to arrive by the end of this week to carry out repairs and fly the aircraft back to its base.
The jet, part of the British Carrier Strike Group's aircraft made an emergency landing on June 14, reportedly due to low fuel.
The aircraft was returning from joint naval drills — Passage Exercise (PASSEX) — held between the
and the UK Carrier Strike Group (UK CSG25) in the western Arabian Sea.
This was the UK Strike Group's first major Indo-Pacific engagement, and the emergency landing is being viewed as an isolated technical issue rather than a security concern.
Airport authorities confirmed there was no damage or injuries during the landing. The F-35 has since remained under guard at the airport, pending inspection and clearance for takeoff.
"UK CSG25 joined the Indian Navy for an exercise in the western Arabian Sea," read a post from the UK Carrier Strike Group.
The Indian Navy had earlier stated, "INS Tabar, along with a submarine and P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy, participated in a Passage Exercise in the North Arabian Sea on 09 and 10 June 2025 with HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from the UK Carrier Strike Group."
The two-day drill featured a range of naval operations, including coordinated anti-submarine warfare, tactical manoeuvres, joint helicopter control, and professional interactions between naval personnel.
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"The multi-faceted naval exercise included unified control of integral helicopters, tactical manoeuvres, coordinated anti-submarine ops and professional exchange of officers," the statement read.
"The joint exercise underscores the deepening cooperation between the two navies and showcases shared commitment to maritime security and robust bilateral ties," the Navy added in its statement.
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