A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly a week after making an emergency landing, with defence officials confirming on Friday that the aircraft may now be repatriated via military transport aircraft due to an unresolved hydraulic failure.
The aircraft, part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group deployed in the Indo-Pacific, was conducting routine flight operations outside Indian airspace when it was forced to land on June 14. According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the jet’s pilot sought emergency clearance due to low fuel levels, prompting an immediate response through India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS).
Following the emergency landing, the Indian Air Force provided refuelling and ground support. However, subsequent attempts to fly the aircraft back to its carrier were thwarted by a critical hydraulic system failure.
“A UK Navy maintenance team initially attempted repairs on site but failed to rectify the issue. Now, a larger team is expected to arrive for further diagnostics,” said a senior defence official. “If on-ground repairs prove unsuccessful, the jet may be returned via a military transport aircraft.”
The presence of the cutting-edge stealth fighter at a civilian airport has drawn considerable attention. Sources note that concerns over sensitive technology may have contributed to the British decision not to accept Air India’s earlier offer of hangar space for the aircraft.
The IAF has continued to provide technical and logistical assistance to ensure the aircraft’s safe recovery, underscoring strong military-to-military cooperation between India and the United Kingdom.
The incident highlights the operational complexities of deploying fifth-generation fighter aircraft in forward regions, as well as the challenges of maintaining such platforms away from their home bases.
