Thiruvananthapuram: A specialized British team comprising aviation and defence engineers has arrived in Kerala to oversee the complex retrieval and possible repair of a stranded Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, following a technical failure during a training mission over the Arabian Sea. The incident has since evolved into a major international recovery operation, blending high-level diplomacy, military cooperation, and even unexpected tourism interest.
The aircraft, part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group operating from HMS Prince of Wales, had taken off from the carrier along with two other F-35B jets for a routine sortie. However, one of the jets experienced a serious technical malfunction mid-air, reportedly related to its hydraulic systems. With fuel rapidly depleting and visibility hindered by stormy weather, the pilot issued a ‘Squawk 7700’ distress call, prompting a priority landing. Thiruvananthapuram airport, listed as an emergency recovery field, was alerted and facilitated the aircraft's safe landing under the guidance of Indian civilian air traffic controllers and military support.
Since then, the advanced stealth fighter has been grounded at Bay No. 4 of the airport, heavily guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police. The jet, valued at over £89 million, remains under constant surveillance due to its classified components and advanced sensor technology. Its presence has sparked global curiosity and intense diplomatic coordination between the UK and Indian defence authorities.
On July 6, a British Royal Air Force (RAF) A400M transport aircraft brought in a 25-member technical team equipped with specialized tools, diagnostic systems, and spare parts. Their primary objective is to assess whether the F-35B can be restored to flying condition at the site, or whether it must be dismantled and transported back to the UK likely using a large military cargo aircraft such as a C-17 Globemaster III. Moving the jet into the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar will be a key step in this operation, with work expected to continue under tight security conditions.
Airport sources indicate that the British team is in constant coordination with Indian aviation and defence officials to manage logistics, security protocols, and airside access. The cooperation between the two nations has been notably smooth, reflecting broader strategic alignment and defence interoperability goals previously showcased during joint exercises like Exercise Konkan and Carrier Strike Group collaborations.
While the grounded fighter has been the subject of serious military attention, it has also captured the public imagination. Kerala Tourism capitalized on the situation with a witty social media campaign, humorously suggesting that even the world’s most advanced jet “didn’t want to leave Kerala.” A satirical five-star review posted in the jet’s name drew global attention and turned the aircraft into an unlikely mascot for the state’s monsoon-season tourism push. Pictures of the jet, framed by palm trees and tropical skies, have been widely circulated.
Despite the levity, the technical situation remains critical. The F-35B is a fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft known for its vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, making it uniquely suited for carrier operations. Its systems are among the most sophisticated in military aviation, and the UK is keen to ensure the jet is either returned to service or transported securely without compromising its sensitive technology.
There is no fixed timeline for the conclusion of the recovery operation. Officials suggest the process may take several more days or even weeks, depending on the extent of internal damage and logistical challenges involved in either repairing or relocating the aircraft. Meanwhile, both Indian and British officials continue to emphasize the importance of cooperation and transparency in handling the incident.
The episode not only highlights the challenges of operating high-tech defence platforms in unpredictable environments but also demonstrates the growing trust and collaboration between India and the United Kingdom. As the British team begins its meticulous assessment, the eyes of the defence and aviation worlds remain fixed on Thiruvananthapuram, where geopolitics, technology, and diplomacy now intersect on an airport tarmac.