Kerala, July 11 - A British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, since June 14, 2025, is expected to return to the United Kingdom as early as next week, according to Indian officials. The fifth-generation stealth aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and valued at approximately $115 million, encountered a technical issue during a routine sortie over the Arabian Sea, forcing an emergency landing at the civilian airport. The incident, which has drawn significant attention, highlights both the complexities of maintaining advanced military technology and the logistical challenges of international military cooperation.
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The F-35B, part of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, was unable to return to its carrier due to adverse weather conditions and a subsequent hydraulic failure detected during pre-departure checks. The Indian Air Force facilitated the safe landing, providing refueling and logistical support. However, the technical snag, which affected the jet’s vertical take-off and landing capabilities, proved difficult to resolve on-site. Initial attempts by a small British crew to repair the aircraft were unsuccessful, and the jet remained exposed to Kerala’s monsoon rains for weeks, guarded round-the-clock by Central Industrial Security Force personnel.
On July 6, 2025, a Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, carrying a team of approximately 24 personnel, including 14 technical experts. The jet was then towed to a hangar, marking a significant step toward addressing the issue. The British High Commission confirmed that the engineering team is assessing and repairing the aircraft, with expectations that it will be airworthy by mid-July. The Indian Air Force had offered assistance through a nearby Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility, but the complexity of the F-35B’s systems required specialized equipment and expertise from the UK and possibly Lockheed Martin technicians. The prolonged grounding of such an advanced fighter jet has raised questions about the reliability of cutting-edge military technology in operational environments. Earlier reports suggested that if repairs failed, the jet might need to be partially dismantled and transported back to the UK aboard a C-17 Globemaster III, a large military cargo plane capable of carrying heavy loads.
However, recent updates indicate that the engineering team is optimistic about restoring the jet’s functionality without resorting to disassembly. The incident has also underscored the strong defense ties between India and the UK, with both nations collaborating closely to resolve the situation. The British High Commissioner expressed gratitude for India’s support, highlighting the logistical and diplomatic efforts involved. This episode, while a technical setback, has not diminished the F-35B’s reputation as one of NATO’s most advanced fighters. Its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and vertical landing features make it a cornerstone of modern air forces. The anticipated return of the jet to the UK will mark the end of an unusual chapter, with lessons learned about contingency planning and international partnerships in military operations.