The British F-35B stealth fighter jet, currently grounded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since its emergency landing on 15 June 2025, remains stranded due to an unresolved 'engineering issue', as mentioned by the official statement of the UK authorities. As per the media reports, the Royal Navy has decided that the jet cannot be repaired on-site and plans to airlift it via C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
The statement issued by the British High Commission last week cites adverse weather conditions as the reason behind the emergency landing. The stealth fighter jet was supposed to land back at the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier which is at present deployed in the Indo-Pacific.
Official statement -
"A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier."
Also Read: UK Navy declines India’s offer to move F-35B jet into Hangar
The sources indicate that initial evaluations of the British F-35B stealth fighter jet were carried out, but subsequent repair attempts turned out to be unsuccessful. Following this, the Royal Navy dispatched a team of expert engineers from the UK, equipped with sophisticated diagnostic and repair tools, to address the issue.
Previously, the airport authorities, in teamwork with the Indian Air Force (IAF), were making arrangements to transfer the stealth fighter jet to a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar at the airfield. This offer was refuted by the UK authorities.
IAF also extended logistical aid following the request of the Royal Navy regarding the same. The next day after the emergency landing of the jet, the pilot was extracted and taken back to HMS Prince of Wales, safely.
The British High Commission noted that while a timeline for the aircraft’s repair remains uncertain, but also ensured that measures are being taken to minimise disruption to local operations.
Follow us
