British fighter jet stuck in Kerala, United Kingdom team to arrive for repairs

A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet remains grounded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, six days after it made an emergency landing on June 14 around 9.30 pm, initially citing low fuel.

The aircraft had been operating from the United Kingdom’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and was conducting routine flying outside India’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) when it was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, which had been designated as its emergency recovery airfield.

According to Indian Air Force (IAF) officials, the jet landed after experiencing low fuel, and the IAF extended all necessary support, including refuelling. However, while preparing for departure, the aircraft reportedly developed a hydraulic failure and was unable to take off.

A maintenance team from the British carrier arrived and attempted to repair the issue but was unsuccessful. A larger team from the United Kingdom is now expected to travel to Kerala to carry out the necessary technical work. Officials also indicated that the aircraft may be transported back aboard a military cargo aircraft, depending on the outcome of further assessments.

Airport officials had earlier confirmed a technical snag post-landing. The aircraft has remained grounded since, with Indian authorities awaiting formal clearance for further refuelling.