A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, among the most advanced in the world, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for nearly two weeks. The aircraft made an emergency landing on 14 June after multiple failed attempts to return to its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, due to harsh weather and low fuel.
The pilot activated the distress code SQUAWK 7700, and was promptly guided to Bay 4—a slot usually reserved for VIP aircraft—by the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System. Initial confusion surrounded the nature of the landing, but the IAF later confirmed it was an emergency caused by fuel starvation after repeated landing attempts.
Parking charges likely as repairs remain uncertain
Authorities at Thiruvananthapuram airport have confirmed that the UK will be charged parking fees for the F-35B. Though the amount has not yet been determined, it will be decided by the Union government.
Usually, parking charges are based on the aircraft’s weight. However, since the F-35B is both lightweight and military-grade, the usual norms may not apply. A government source told TOI, “It’s likely a bill will be raised which the Union government may need to clear, as this is a defence aircraft from a foreign nation.”
Engineering teams on their way
Despite efforts from Royal Navy technicians at the scene, the hydraulic issue that grounded the aircraft remains unresolved. Now, a 40-member expert team from the UK—along with personnel from the US—is expected to land in India to inspect and, if possible, repair the aircraft on-site.
If repairs fail, officials are considering a more complex alternative: flying the grounded jet out using a freighter plane. A British High Commission spokesperson said, “We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian authorities for their continued support.”
The fighter jet remains parked under tight security, guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Diplomatic and security clearances for the arriving British repair team are underway.
Why the jet remains in the open
Despite being exposed to the elements, the British Navy has reportedly declined offers to move the aircraft into a hangar. Air India had proposed allocating space for protection, but British authorities are said to have refused, citing concerns about the jet’s sensitive onboard technologies.
Sources say this hesitation stems from fears that unauthorised personnel might gain a closer look at the F-35B’s “protected technologies”. The F-35B is part of the world’s most expensive fighter programme and includes stealth systems and sensor packages that are typically kept under wraps.
Though British officials initially resisted relocating the aircraft indoors, they may now consider using the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for final inspection and restoration work.
A first for the F-35
This is the first recorded instance of a British F-35B stealth fighter being stranded in a foreign country. Built in the United States, the jet is a key component of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, which was deployed to the Indo-Pacific for joint maritime exercises with India.
The F-35B is known for its ability to take off from short runways and land vertically—capabilities critical for aircraft carrier operations. Its grounding, however, has turned it into a magnet for aviation enthusiasts and defence observers alike, as it remains conspicuously parked at one of India’s busiest civilian airports.
Strengthening ties amid technical setbacks
The British High Commission in Bengaluru, responding to NDTV, said: “The safe landing, logistics, and continued security support provided by India reflect the close coordination and strengthening defence relationship between our two nations.”
This episode, while unplanned, has become a real-time demonstration of that cooperation. Indian forces facilitated the emergency landing, offered technical support, and continue to manage the logistics of what has become an extended military-diplomatic engagement.
For now, the jet stays grounded, its future course of action still unclear. Engineers will soon arrive. Parking meters have started ticking. And a slice of global defence aviation remains stationary in Kerala—watched closely by allies, officials, and passers-by alike.
The pilot activated the distress code SQUAWK 7700, and was promptly guided to Bay 4—a slot usually reserved for VIP aircraft—by the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System. Initial confusion surrounded the nature of the landing, but the IAF later confirmed it was an emergency caused by fuel starvation after repeated landing attempts.
Parking charges likely as repairs remain uncertain
Authorities at Thiruvananthapuram airport have confirmed that the UK will be charged parking fees for the F-35B. Though the amount has not yet been determined, it will be decided by the Union government.
Usually, parking charges are based on the aircraft’s weight. However, since the F-35B is both lightweight and military-grade, the usual norms may not apply. A government source told TOI, “It’s likely a bill will be raised which the Union government may need to clear, as this is a defence aircraft from a foreign nation.”
Engineering teams on their way
Despite efforts from Royal Navy technicians at the scene, the hydraulic issue that grounded the aircraft remains unresolved. Now, a 40-member expert team from the UK—along with personnel from the US—is expected to land in India to inspect and, if possible, repair the aircraft on-site.
If repairs fail, officials are considering a more complex alternative: flying the grounded jet out using a freighter plane. A British High Commission spokesperson said, “We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian authorities for their continued support.”
The fighter jet remains parked under tight security, guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Diplomatic and security clearances for the arriving British repair team are underway.
Why the jet remains in the open
Despite being exposed to the elements, the British Navy has reportedly declined offers to move the aircraft into a hangar. Air India had proposed allocating space for protection, but British authorities are said to have refused, citing concerns about the jet’s sensitive onboard technologies.
Sources say this hesitation stems from fears that unauthorised personnel might gain a closer look at the F-35B’s “protected technologies”. The F-35B is part of the world’s most expensive fighter programme and includes stealth systems and sensor packages that are typically kept under wraps.
Though British officials initially resisted relocating the aircraft indoors, they may now consider using the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for final inspection and restoration work.
A first for the F-35
This is the first recorded instance of a British F-35B stealth fighter being stranded in a foreign country. Built in the United States, the jet is a key component of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, which was deployed to the Indo-Pacific for joint maritime exercises with India.
The F-35B is known for its ability to take off from short runways and land vertically—capabilities critical for aircraft carrier operations. Its grounding, however, has turned it into a magnet for aviation enthusiasts and defence observers alike, as it remains conspicuously parked at one of India’s busiest civilian airports.
Strengthening ties amid technical setbacks
The British High Commission in Bengaluru, responding to NDTV, said: “The safe landing, logistics, and continued security support provided by India reflect the close coordination and strengthening defence relationship between our two nations.”
This episode, while unplanned, has become a real-time demonstration of that cooperation. Indian forces facilitated the emergency landing, offered technical support, and continue to manage the logistics of what has become an extended military-diplomatic engagement.
For now, the jet stays grounded, its future course of action still unclear. Engineers will soon arrive. Parking meters have started ticking. And a slice of global defence aviation remains stationary in Kerala—watched closely by allies, officials, and passers-by alike.
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