Stranded UK F-35 Jet Set To Take Off Today: How Much Did Kerala Airport Earn From Parking?

Last Updated:July 21, 2025, 12:48 IST

Valued at over $110 million, the F-35B is one of the world’s most sophisticated fifth-generation fighter jets, known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability.

UK Navy’s fighter jet was grounded in Kerala after an emergency landing. (IMAGE: ANI)

After remaining grounded for over a month at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport due to technical issues, the British Royal Navy’s F-35B fighter jet is expected to finally take off today.

The advanced combat aircraft, which made an emergency landing on June 14, has since been occupying a parking bay at the airport — reportedly accruing parking fees estimated at Rs 26,261 per day for over 38 days, according to a report by CNBC-TV18 citing Indian Defence Research Wing (IDRW).

On July 6, a 24-member team from the British Royal Air Force — including 14 technical experts and 10 crew members — arrived to inspect and assess whether the jet could be repaired locally. Initial repair attempts by a Royal Navy team were unsuccessful after a hydraulic failure was detected during pre-departure checks.

Valued at over $110 million, the F-35B is one of the world’s most sophisticated fifth-generation fighter jets, known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. It had been operating about 100 nautical miles off Kerala’s coast when it was forced to land due to a technical malfunction.

The aircraft was moved to a secure hangar at the airport for assessment, and after extensive inspections, engineers now believe the jet is fit to fly back to the United Kingdom. The Indian Air Force provided logistical support throughout the process.

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