UK’s F‑35B Fighter Grounded in Kerala to Be Dismantled and Airlifted
A British Royal Navy F‑35B Lightning II fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala since June 14, has been declared beyond on-site repair. The UK Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the aircraft will be dismantled and transported back to the UK via military cargo aircraft for full repairs, bringing to an end weeks of efforts to fix the jet locally.
Emergency Landing After Carrier Diversion
The fifth-generation stealth fighter was part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group onboard HMS Prince of Wales. Due to adverse weather and low fuel while returning to the carrier, the pilot was forced to divert and land at Thiruvananthapuram—a designated emergency base. The aircraft landed safely and was parked at Bay 4, usually reserved for VIP and chartered aircraft.
Soon after the incident, Royal Navy engineers were flown in by helicopter to assess and repair the aircraft. Indian authorities including the Indian Air Force, CISF, and airport officials provided logistical and security support.
Declared Beyond Repair: Dismantling Begins
After more than two weeks of technical assessments and failed repair attempts, the UK has officially deemed the aircraft unserviceable on-site. A specialist dismantling crew is expected to arrive with tools and equipment to take apart the jet and prepare it for transport. The parts will be airlifted on a heavy-duty military cargo plane—most likely a C-17 Globemaster III—to the UK, where it will be fully restored at an advanced repair facility.
Indian Agencies Provided Full Host Nation Support
Throughout the ordeal, Indian authorities extended comprehensive support. The Indian Air Force coordinated security and technical access, CISF provided perimeter security, and the airport authorities made special hangar arrangements for the aircraft. The UK is expected to clear dues related to parking and space usage, as the aircraft has occupied a priority bay for an extended period.
Highlighting India-UK Defence Cooperation
Though rooted in an emergency, the incident has become an inadvertent symbol of operational trust and defence coordination between India and the UK. The cooperation seen—from overnight rescue support to joint management of sensitive equipment—has been acknowledged by both governments as an example of deepening defence ties.
What’s Next for the Jet?
- Disassembly of the F‑35B under expert supervision.
- Air transport to the UK on a military cargo plane.
- Complete overhaul and testing at a UK-based facility.
This episode illustrates both the complexity of operating fifth-generation fighters and the intricacies of international military logistics. As the F‑35B returns home in parts, it leaves behind a story of high-stakes troubleshooting, robust bilateral cooperation, and the limits of field repair—even for the world’s most advanced jets.
