UK’s F-35B fighter jet still grounded in Thiruvananthapuram as Royal Navy declines India’s repair support

Four Royal Navy crew members are currently stationed in the city to manage the situation. (Image: Reddit)

Days after a British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, India offered to move the jet to a hangar at the airport to help the British technical team carry out repairs, However, this offer was declined by the Royal Navy, the Indian Defence Research Wing said, citing sources. The Indian Air Force later suggested building a temporary shed at the site to protect the aircraft and ground crew from rain and heat, but this offer too was reportedly turned down.

The British F-35B fighter jet has remained grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since its emergency landing on the night of June 14. The advanced combat aircraft, part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, is believed to have sustained serious damage during the landing, delaying its service return.

The jet was forced to divert from its aircraft carrier due to rough weather in the Indian Ocean and low fuel levels. Operating outside India’s Air Defence Identification Zone, it had designated Thiruvananthapuram as its emergency recovery airfield.

After the emergency landing, a British technical team arrived on the third day to assess the damage. However, with both hangar access and protective cover declined by the Royal Navy, repair efforts are progressing slowly. The aircraft remains parked at Bay 4 of the airport under heavy security, fully exposed to the weather.

Four Royal Navy crew members are currently stationed in the city to manage the situation.

The F-35B is one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets in the world, capable of short take-offs and vertical landings. Its unexpected presence in Kerala has drawn curiosity from aviation enthusiasts and travellers.

The UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific and recently completed joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy. Despite the cooperation between the two navies, the handling of the damaged fighter jet has raised eyebrows over the Royal Navy’s approach to on-ground support offered by its Indian counterparts.