UK Navy's F-35B Jet Still Stuck In Kerala 6 Days After Emergency Landing, Could Be Airlifted If Snag Persists
The UK Navy F-35 fighter jet had made an emergency landing at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. However, it has remained grounded since after it developed an issue.
A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet, which had made an emergency landing in Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram, still remains stuck in India, six days after the incident. The UK Navy jet had landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 due to low fuel, but has since been grounded after it developed a hydraulic failure.
A UK Navy maintenance team attempted to fix the issue in the fighter. However, the effort was unsuccessful, news agency ANI reported on Friday, citing defence officials.
Now, it is likely that the a bigger maintenance team from the UK will arrive in Thiruvananthapuram to recover their aircraft. The defence officials have also said that if needed, the jet may be taken back in a military transport aircraft.
“A few days ago, the F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy had made an emergency landing due to low fuel, after which the Indian Air Force had provided all required support, including refuelling. However, when the aircraft was going back, it developed a hydraulic failure and could not go back. A maintenance team of the UK Navy had come and tried to rectify the problem, but could not,” a statement by defence officials said.
#UPDATE | A few days ago, the F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy had made an emergency landing due to low fuel, after which the Indian Air Force had provided all required support, including refuelling. However, when the aircraft was going back, it developed a hydraulic failure and… https://t.co/nfwvoerz29
— ANI (@ANI) June 20, 2025
“A bigger maintenance team is expected to come to recover the aircraft. If required, the aircraft may even be taken back in a military transport aircraft,” the officials added.
After reportedly running low on fuel, the British F-35B fighter jet sought permission for emergency landing from the airport authorities at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala on June 14. It then landed safely at around 9:30 PM.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) issued a statement a day after the incident, saying that it is “fully aware” of the development and that it facilitated the aircraft for “safety reasons”.
“Normal occurrence of diversion by F-35. IAF fully aware and facilitated the aircraft for flight safety reasons. All assistance being given, and IAF is in coordination with all agencies,” the statement said.
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