Why UK’s $110 Million F-35B Lightning Fighter Jet Is Still Stuck at Thiruvananthapuram Airport — What’s Next?

A British F-35B Lightning fighter jet — one of the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth aircraft — has been stranded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for nearly three weeks after making an emergency landing on June 14. Valued at over $110 million (₹800 crore), the jet’s unexpected stay has sparked global attention, logistical challenges, and even viral tourism memes.

🧾 Key Highlights:

Aircraft: F-35B Lightning (Short Takeoff & Vertical Landing capability)

Operator: Royal Navy, United Kingdom

Emergency Landing: June 14, 2025, at Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Kerala

Current Status: Grounded due to technical fault

Repairs: UK engineers expected by weekend

Public Reaction: Viral memes, Kerala Tourism campaign

🛬 Emergency Landing Turns Into Extended Stopover

The F-35B, part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was forced to make an unscheduled landing due to low fuel, according to early reports. However, while on the ground, the aircraft reportedly developed a technical fault, rendering it unable to return to its carrier.

Since then, the aircraft has remained stationed at the airport’s Indian Navy base, under round-the-clock security by Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF). Defence sources indicate that this is the first such prolonged grounding of an F-35B in India.

🔧 What’s Causing the Delay?

While initial reports pointed to minor mechanical issues, the jet has yet to be cleared for takeoff. According to defence officials cited by ANI and PTI, the British Navy is coordinating with Indian authorities for on-ground engineering support.

UK engineers and Navy officials are expected to arrive by the end of the week to conduct repairs and fly the jet back to its base — assuming weather and technical conditions permit.

📸 A Fighter Jet Turned Tourist Attraction

What started as a military event has now gone viral for a different reason. The grounded F-35B has become a mini tourist sensation, with curious locals and aviation enthusiasts gathering near the airport to catch a glimpse of the ultra-modern jet.

Kerala Tourism capitalized on the moment with a cheeky social media post, featuring a stylized version of the F-35 against Kerala’s iconic green landscape, captioned:

“Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.”

Social media users joined in the fun:

“Now it refuses to start without coconut oil,” joked one user.

Another viral meme showed the jet parked outside a roadside tea shop, munching banana chips, with the line: “Bro found peace, toddy and banana chips — no wonder it won’t leave.”

✈️ What's Next for the Jet?

With UK Navy officials on their way and repair plans in motion, the F-35B could take off in the coming days — if all goes smoothly. For now, it remains a high-tech symbol of diplomacy, defence coordination, and unexpected tourism buzz.