Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – After nearly 23 days of uncertainty and intense speculation, there is finally a major breakthrough in the case of the UK’s F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, 2025. The stealth aircraft—part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group—had been grounded due to a technical malfunction, reportedly related to hydraulic system failure.
This week, a specially dispatched team of 24 British defense engineers and aviation experts landed in Kerala aboard a Royal Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft to assess the jet’s condition and explore options for repair or removal. The arrival of this elite team marks the first tangible step towards the fighter jet’s long-awaited recovery.
Emergency Landing to Engineering Operation
The F-35B, known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, was forced to land after facing a combination of adverse weather and fuel shortage while returning from joint Indo-UK naval exercises in the Indian Ocean. This was the first time an F-35B had ever landed on Indian soil, making the incident historically significant.
After landing, the jet was initially parked on the VIP apron area of the airport, raising concerns over security and logistics. The British government initially delayed any public action due to sensitive technology concerns, as the F-35B features some of the world’s most advanced stealth and avionics systems. Even moving it into hangars was avoided until strict diplomatic and security protocols were in place.
Repair or Airlift? Decision Time
With the arrival of the UK engineering team, the aircraft has now been moved to a dedicated MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hangar within the airport premises. This is the first time since its landing that the jet has been sheltered from the open environment.
The engineering team, in collaboration with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and airport authorities, is now conducting a full diagnostic of the aircraft. They are evaluating whether repairs can be completed on-site or whether the fighter will need to be dismantled and airlifted back to the UK using a C-17 Globemaster.
Reports suggest that dismantling such an advanced stealth jet involves extreme precision. Each part, including the radar-absorbing coating, must be handled delicately. Additionally, the jet’s internal software and classified equipment require strict safeguarding against espionage or accidental disclosure.
India-UK Cooperation Lauded
This incident has also become a symbol of military trust between the UK and India. Officials from the British High Commission in Delhi praised the Indian authorities, including the Indian Navy, IAF, CISF, and the airport management, for their swift cooperation, logistical support, and secure handling of such a sensitive defense asset.
According to diplomatic sources, the Indian side even offered technical support, emergency power, and ground protection without delay—highlighting India’s growing capability and credibility in global defense operations.
From Fighter Jet to Social Media Star
Interestingly, the F-35B’s long stay in Kerala also sparked massive public attention and memes across Indian social media platforms. The Kerala Tourism Department jumped into the viral moment with a humorous AI-generated poster featuring the jet lounging between palm trees, with the slogan:
“Kerala is so amazing, I don’t want to leave.”
Other organizations joined in the fun—Kerala Police, local transport services, and even milk cooperatives used the jet’s image in creative ads, making the fighter jet a surprise star in India’s online space. What could have been a diplomatic embarrassment turned into a moment of cultural charm and clever public relations.
What Lies Ahead?
The final decision on whether the jet can fly out or be airlifted is expected in the coming days. If repaired, it will resume operations from the HMS Prince of Wales, which is still stationed in the region as part of a goodwill tour. If not, a C-17 aircraft from the UK will arrive to transport the disassembled components back to British shores.
One thing is clear: this incident has shown how emergency military cooperation, technological sensitivity, and public sentiment can intersect in the most unexpected ways. Kerala’s unexpected role in global defense headlines may soon end—but the story of the stranded F-35B will be remembered as one of diplomacy, repair, and a bit of desi humor.
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