When F-35 fighter jet touched down in Kerala and remained grounded (pics)

The British Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning II made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 after experiencing a suspected hydraulic failure mid-flight over international waters.

The stealth fighter, launched from the UK’s flagship carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was diverted to Kerala when adverse weather and sea conditions prevented a return to the vessel.

The Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) helped coordinate the landing, working closely with civilian air traffic control to ensure safe diversion to the pre-designated airport.

Equipped with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, advanced stealth design, and cutting-edge sensors, F-35 redefines modern aerial combat. Its integration of real-time data sharing and next-gen avionics makes it a key asset in the UK’s carrier strike group and one of the world’s most expensive and advanced combat aircraft.

Once on the ground, the $100 million fifth-generation jet was secured in Bay 4 under heavy guard by CISF personnel while technical assessments began.

Royal Navy technicians were airlifted in by helicopter the same night to begin urgent repairs, but persistent technical issues left the aircraft grounded for several days.

Airport authorities provided logistical support, including accommodation, Western-style meals, and a local ground-handling team, to assist the British crew unfamiliar with local conditions, the pilot and his crew were relocated to the airport’s Emergency Medical Centre after the landing, where they rested while remaining on standby.

By Wednesday, the jet had not yet departed due to continued technical delays, with three Royal Navy personnel still in Kerala overseeing repair and readiness operations.