British F-35B Stealth Fighter Departs Thiruvananthapuram After 38 Days on Ground
Ending over a month of suspense and international coordination, the Royal Air Force’s F-35B stealth fighter jet—which had been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14, 2025—successfully departed for Darwin, Australia on July 22.
🔧 Emergency Landing & Technical Trouble
The advanced fifth-generation jet, known for its short take-off and vertical landing capability, was forced to make an emergency landing in Kerala after running low on fuel during operations in the Indian Ocean near the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier.
Though the crew initially attempted on-site repairs, the issue persisted. The aircraft was towed to a hangar, and a specialist team from the UK arrived on July 6 to conduct intensive technical work—reportedly addressing auxiliary power unit failures.
🤝 Diplomatic & Technical Cooperation
A spokesperson from the British High Commission expressed gratitude for India’s cooperation:
“The U.K. remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process.”
This rare international repair operation highlighted the strengthening defence ties between India and the United Kingdom.
💰 Parking Fees & Hangar Costs
For the 38 days the F-35B was stationed at the airport, approximately ₹5 lakh is to be paid as parking fees, calculated based on the aircraft’s size, weight, and duration of stay.
The Bird Group, a Delhi-based ground handling agency, will process the payment. Additional charges for hangar use will be levied by AI Engineering Services Ltd., which provided the maintenance and storage facilities.
📹 Watch: From Emergency to Exit — British Fighter Jet Flies Out of Kerala
(Video Credit: The Hindu)
✈️ About the F-35B Fighter Jet
Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is one of the world’s most advanced stealth aircraft, capable of vertical landings and short takeoffs, designed for deployment on aircraft carriers and complex combat operations.
📝 Final Word
The dramatic grounding and departure of the UK’s F-35B has not only generated media and diplomatic buzz but also turned into an unexpected spotlight moment for Kerala, with the story even helping Kerala Tourism trend briefly on social media. The incident marks a memorable chapter in India–UK defence engagement.
