A British F-35B Lightning fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 is now being towed from the site, marking the start of recovery operations after over three weeks of being grounded in Kerala.
A team of UK aviation engineers and technical experts arrived in Kerala earlier in the day aboard a Royal Air Force A400M Atlas transport aircraft. They brought specialist tools to repair and safely move the advanced fifth-generation aircraft.
The fighter jet, which belongs to the UK Royal Navy, had been stationed at the airport after it was unable to return to its carrier due to rough sea conditions at the time of the emergency diversion.
The UK accepted India&rsquo;s offer to move the jet to a nearby Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Discussions are underway with relevant authorities to complete the formalities and ensure secure transfer and repair of the jet.
The aircraft, valued at over $110 million, has been under close guard by a six-member Royal Navy team from the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. It has been parked in a secured bay at the airport since its unscheduled landing.
The F-35B is one of the world&rsquo;s most advanced stealth fighters, equipped with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. Its design makes it ideal for operations from carriers, smaller runways, and even austere environments.
The engineering team's original arrival, planned for July 2, was delayed, but the repair mission is now fully underway. The UK has expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by Indian authorities throughout the process.

UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Towed After Emergency Landing in Kerala

Stranded since June 14, the British F-35B jet is now being moved to an MRO facility in Kerala.

UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Towed After Emergency Landing in Kerala

Stranded since June 14, the British F-35B jet is now being moved to an MRO facility in Kerala.

July 6, 2025 | 15:37 IST