A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet remains grounded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly two weeks after making an emergency landing on June 14.
The fifth-generation stealth aircraft, valued at over $110 million and built by Lockheed Martin, developed a hydraulic issue shortly after touching down.
The jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific, had been returning to the aircraft carrier following a joint exercise with the Indian Navy.
According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the aircraft declared an emergency due to fuel shortage and adverse weather, activating the SQUAWK 7700 distress code. It was guided by the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System to Bay 4, an isolated parking slot typically reserved for VIP aircraft.
A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25.
Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram
earmarked… pic.twitter.com/gL2CQcuJc7— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 15, 2025
Despite efforts by Royal Navy technicians, the hydraulic failure has prevented the aircraft from taking off. British High Commission officials stated, “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 is expected to be moved to the hangar once a 40-member engineering team from the UK, accompanied by U.S. personnel and specialist equipment, arrives in India. Until then, the aircraft remains parked in a secured area, monitored by the Central Industrial Security Force.
British Royal Navy F-35B Jet remains in open, After refusal to take it inside hangarhttps://t.co/kbgw0e82Ol pic.twitter.com/dFmj0M48jE
— idrw (@idrwalerts) June 20, 2025
Airport authorities confirmed the UK will be charged parking fees for the aircraft, though the exact amount will be determined by the Indian Union government. Earlier, Air India had offered hangar space, but sources told NDTV that the Royal Navy declined, reportedly to limit exposure of the fighter’s classified technologies.
The High Commission in Bengaluru stated, “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.”
They added, “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.”
This incident marks the first time a British Royal Navy F-35B has been stranded in a foreign country.
