• Source:JND
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A UK’s F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the advanced aircraft remains grounded. With on-site repair efforts unsuccessful so far, the United Kingdom is now considering airlifting the jet using a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, an uncommon procedure for a fighter of this caliber, according to the NDTV report. 

ALSO READ: UK Agrees To Move Stranded F-35B Fighter Jet To Kerala Airport Hangar, Confirms British High Commission

The F-35B, a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation fighter, was forced to divert to Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport after it was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier currently operating in the Indo-Pacific region.

According to a statement from the British High Commission last week, the emergency diversion was triggered by "adverse weather conditions" that made it unsafe for the aircraft to land back on the carrier. The pilot safely touched down at Thiruvananthapuram on June 15.

However, since the landing, the aircraft has encountered what UK authorities describe as “an engineering issue,” which has left it grounded and unable to fly.

"A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier," the High Commission said, according to the NDTV report. 

Sources confirmed that initial assessments were carried out, but follow-up repair attempts were unsuccessful. In response, the Royal Navy dispatched a team of specialised engineers from the UK, equipped with advanced diagnostic and repair tools.

Meanwhile, airport authorities, in coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), have been preparing to relocate the jet to a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hangar within the airfield.

The British High Commission stated that while no clear repair timeline has been established, all efforts are being made to minimise disruption to local operations.

Last week, ANI quoted an official as saying that the “UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility at the airport."

UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Emergency Landing 

The aircraft made an emergency landing at approximately 9:30 am local time on June 15, following a routine Indo-UK naval exercise. The diversion was prompted by lower-than-expected fuel levels, adding urgency to the situation.

The next day, a Royal Navy AW101 Merlin helicopter arrived at the airport to retrieve the pilot, who was flown back to HMS Prince of Wales. Since then, the jet has remained under continuous security watch.

Indian Air Force sources confirmed that logistical support was provided in response to a request from the Royal Navy.

ALSO READ: Engineering Snag Grounds British F-35 Jet In Kerala; No Timeline For Takeoff Yet: Report

About F-35B Fighter Jet

The F-35 programme stands as the most extensive and expensive weapons development effort in military aviation history. Globally, the F-35 fleet has accumulated over 800,000 flight hours across various services and operational theatres. Israel has used its F-35As in precision strikes against targets in Syria and those linked to Iran, while the United States maintains a steady deployment of F-35s across the Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East.