Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 4 (HBTV): A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, valued at over USD 110 million, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, 2025.

The aircraft made an emergency landing due to low fuel and adverse weather conditions while operating from the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region. British navy officials are expected to arrive by the end of the week to carry out repairs, including fixing a hydraulic system malfunction.

According to defence officials, 'British navy officials are expected to arrive here by the end of this week to carry out repairs and take the aircraft back to its base.'

The aircraft is being guarded around the clock by India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and British personnel.

Inclement weather prevented the aircraft from landing safely on the carrier, necessitating the emergency landing at the airport.

‘A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 2025. Operating from UK aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield,’ the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a post on X.

The IAF further stated, ‘On having declared a diversion off an emergency, the F-35B was detected and identified by the IAF’s IACCS network and cleared for the recovery. IAF is providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft.’

Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales initially assessed the situation and determined that additional technical expertise and equipment from the UK were required. Once the UK-based engineering team arrives with specialist equipment, the aircraft will be moved to a maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at the airport.

The British High Commission expressed its gratitude for India’s assistance. ‘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,’ said a spokesperson.

The High Commission further stated that the ongoing security and logistical support provided by India reflects the close coordination and strengthening relationship between the armed forces of the UK and India. (ANI)