The British F-35B fighter jet, which was stuck for 2 weeks since the emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on 14 June 2025 due to fuel deficiency and bad weather, will now be shifted to the hangar. A spokesman for the British High Commission said on Friday, 27 June 2025 that the UK has accepted the offer to carry the jet in the airport’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility. The jet will be taken to the hanger only when special equipment and engineering team from Britain arrive so that the maintenance of other aircraft is not interrupted.
Jet was first forbidden to be taken to the hangar, possibly because the UK wanted to save his “protected techniques” close to others. The jet was operated by the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier and made an emergency landing while returning after a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy. The spokesperson said, “There was a technical fault in the jet, and we are trying to fix it as soon as possible with the Indian officials.”
The High Commission said that it will return to the service only after the repair of the jet and the security check. Britain’s close cooperation with the Indian Air Force, Navy and Airport officials continues. The spokesperson said, “We express gratitude for the continuous support of Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram Airport.” Jet is placed under CISF protection, and the British engineering team is being awaited for repair.
