British F-35B fighter jet stranded at a Kerala airport awaits repairs

A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, worth over $110 million, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, 2025, following an emergency landing prompted by severe weather and low fuel.

The jet was part of operations from the HMS Prince of Wales, a UK aircraft carrier currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region.

Initial assessments by engineers aboard HMS Prince of Wales revealed a hydraulic system malfunction that requires specialised repairs.

A team of British defence officials and technical experts is expected to arrive in India by the end of the week with the necessary tools and components to restore the aircraft.

The fighter jet is under 24-hour security, jointly guarded by personnel from India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and British military staff.

Once the UK-based team arrives, the aircraft will be moved to a dedicated maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport for inspection and repair.

In a post on X, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed it facilitated the emergency landing. "The F-35B was detected and identified by the IAF’s IACCS network and cleared for recovery. Thiruvananthapuram was designated as the emergency recovery airfield," the statement read.

The IAF also said it is providing all necessary logistical and technical support to ensure the aircraft’s safe return to service.

The British High Commission acknowledged India's prompt assistance. “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,” a spokesperson said.

The Commission also highlighted the operation as an example of the strong and growing defence ties between the UK and India.