British Royal Navy F-35B Makes Emergency Landing in Kerala on Low Fuel, Stranded Nearly Three Weeks After Hydraulic Failure

On June 14, 2025, a British Royal Navy Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, due to low fuel while operating from the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. The Indian Air Force was fully aware of the situation and facilitated the landing, providing necessary support including refueling. Following the emergency landing, the aircraft developed a hydraulic system failure that rendered it unfit for further flight. Despite multiple repair attempts, British engineering teams were unable to fix the jet on-site.

The British High Commission confirmed ongoing efforts to repair the fighter jet and expressed gratitude for the support from Indian authorities. After nearly three weeks stranded at the airport, it was decided that the F-35B would be moved to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for further inspection and repairs. However, subsequent reports indicated that the aircraft was beyond on-site repair and would likely be dismantled and airlifted back to the UK aboard a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft. A 40-member British technical team was dispatched to Kerala to oversee the repair process and prepare the jet for transport. The incident has raised concerns about the reliability of the F-35B stealth fighter and the logistical challenges involved in repairing such advanced military aircraft abroad. The aircraft, valued at approximately $110 million, remains grounded as of late June 2025, with no confirmed date for its return to service. The UK government and Royal Navy continue coordinating with Indian authorities to manage the situation.