UK F-35B Jet in Kerala: A UK fighter jet, grounded in Thiruvananthapuram for repairs, is scheduled to depart on July 22 after over month .
On June 14, 2025, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, worth more than $110 million, made headlines when it made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India. On July 22, 2025, the stealth aircraft finally took off for Darwin, Australia, after more than a month of being grounded due to a critical hydraulic failure. This marked the conclusion of an unexpected story that generated both local humor and international curiosity. What caused this advanced jet to remain in Kerala for so long, and how did India and the UK work together to find a solution? This is the background of this aviation drama and how it affects defense relations.
A Mid-Air Emergency Sparks a Grounded Crisis
During a joint naval exercise with the Indian Navy, the F-35B, which is a member of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, encountered a crisis while on a routine sortie 100 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala. Due to extremely low fuel and unfavorable monsoon weather, the pilot, Captain Mike, issued a distress signal (SQUAWK 7700) on June 14 at around 9:30 PM IST, making a safe return to the carrier impossible. To guarantee a safe landing, the Indian Air Force (IAF) worked with Thiruvananthapuram’s air traffic control, which is designated as an emergency recovery airfield, and its Integrated Air Command and Control System. For crew members who were not familiar with local cuisine, the IAF offered them lodging and Western-style meals in addition to prompt refueling and logistical support.
However, the jet was grounded when a hydraulic system failure was discovered during pre-departure inspections. The hydraulic system, critical for the F-35B’s short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, proved too complex for the initial Royal Navy team of three technicians, airlifted from the carrier via an AW101 Merlin helicopter. Repairs were made more difficult by Kerala’s monsoon rains, which were accompanied by an orange alert. The jet was parked at Bay 4 and was constantly watched over by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
From Tarmac to Viral Sensation
The jet’s prolonged stay turned it into an unlikely social media star. Kerala Tourism seized the moment, repurposing a satirical post by The Fauxy with an AI-generated image of the jet under coconut trees, captioned, “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.” Memes flooded X, with one joking about the jet’s “$4 million listing” on a fake classified site, featuring “automatic parking” and a “new battery.” Another quipped it deserved Indian citizenship for its extended stay. The lighthearted buzz contrasted with serious concerns about the jet’s sensitive stealth technology, guarded round-the-clock by six RAF officers.
Repair Efforts and Diplomatic Coordination
When Royal Navy technicians’ initial attempts at repair failed, there was conjecture that the jet might be disassembled and airlifted using a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III. A 25-person team of engineers from the US and the UK, including experts from Lockheed Martin, arrived on July 6 in an RAF Airbus A400M Atlas and towed the aircraft to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for Air India. Because of security concerns, the UK had initially rejected India’s offer of a hangar, but as the monsoon conditions deteriorated, they changed their minds.
By July 16, repairs entered the final stage, with the team addressing the hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit issues. The jet was refueled and underwent mandatory safety checks, requiring clearance from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Defence. On July 21, it was moved back to the tarmac for a trial sortie, and on July 22, it successfully departed, ending its 38-day stay. The UK settled approximately ₹5 lakh in parking and hangar fees, managed by the Delhi-based Bird Group and AI Engineering Services Ltd.
Strengthening India-UK Ties
The incident demonstrated how India and the UK are strengthening their defense cooperation. Together with logistical assistance from the Indian Navy and airport officials, the IAF’s prompt action guaranteed the jet’s safety and made repairs easier. “We thank the Indian authorities for their continued support,” said the British High Commission, praising India’s cooperation. The episode, which was brought up in the UK House of Commons, also highlighted the maintenance issues with the F-35 program, with experts like Guy Gratton pointing out that the Royal Navy might be embarrassed.
Why This Matters
The story of the F-35B in Kerala was more than just a technical glitch; it was evidence of India’s expanding defense capabilities and its capacity to manage delicate military equipment. It draws attention to opportunities in India’s aviation MRO industry for investors and defense enthusiasts. Making a stranded jet into a tourism mascot was a humorous and proud moment for the locals. Will this lead to discussions about military readiness or further solidify India-UK defense ties? The discussion is just getting started, but for now the skies are clear.
