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

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Last Updated:June 21, 2025, 15:14 IST

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

CISF personnel stand guard near the British F-35 fighter jet that made an emergency landing after running low on fuel in Thiruvananthapuram (PTI photo)

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.

Refused Hangar And Shelter Offers

Sources told CNN-News18 that Indian defence authorities offered to move the jet to a nearby hangar for protection, but the offer was declined by the British side, likely due to the aircraft’s classified systems and strict operational secrecy. A proposal to build a temporary shelter at the landing site to shield the aircraft was also turned down, according to additional reports cited by Moneycontrol and PTI.

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.

Akash Sharma

Akash Sharma, Defence Correspondent, CNN-News 18, covers the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Railways. In addition, he also follows developments in the national capital. With an extensive experience coverin...Read More

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