The British Royal Navy’s F-35B stealth fighter jet, which was forced to make an emergency landing at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, remains grounded after repeated repair efforts failed to fix a critical malfunction. Sources confirmed that the aircraft may now be partially dismantled and airlifted to the United Kingdom aboard a military cargo aircraft.
The fifth-generation stealth jet, which is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, had to divert to the Indian coast due to inclement weather and low fuel while operating 100 nautical miles off Kerala. The Indian Air Force assisted in facilitating the emergency landing and arranged for refuelling and logistical support.
Repair Efforts Stall; Airlift Considered the Only Viable Option
A hydraulic failure discovered during pre-flight checks prevented the aircraft from rejoining its carrier. The malfunction has been deemed serious, potentially compromising the jet’s ability to take off and land safely.
A three-member Royal Navy technical team attempted repairs but failed to resolve the issue. Complicating the recovery further, a larger team of 30 engineers expected from the United Kingdom has yet to arrive in India, sources said.
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With no clear repair timeline in sight, British defence authorities are now working on a contingency plan involving partial dismantling of the aircraft for transportation back to the UK via military airlift. Officials reportedly view this as the most viable method given the jet’s sensitive systems and the complexity of the issue.
Initially, the Royal Navy had declined an offer from Air India to house the F-35B in a hangar, despite ongoing monsoon rains. However, the decision was later reversed, and the aircraft is now secured in a hangar at Bay 4 under the protection of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
