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UK's F-35B Stealth Fighter Jet Stranded in Kerala for a Week
- On June 14, a British Royal Navy F-35B stealth aircraft was forced to land unexpectedly at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala due to fuel shortage and adverse weather conditions.
- The diversion followed standard contingency protocols under Operation Highmast, a joint UK-India Air Force agreement, executed as the jet could not return to its carrier 100 nautical miles offshore.
- Indian Air Force and airport personnel promptly supported the landing, with British officials calling the local response 'brilliant' while multiple landing attempts were hindered by poor visibility and strong winds.
- The F-35B developed a hydraulic failure after landing, and despite efforts from a UK Navy maintenance team flown in with spare parts aboard an A400, the problem remains unresolved and the jet continues grounded.
- Indian authorities continue providing full assistance, and the aircraft will only be cleared for refueling and takeoff after legal and procedural clearances, with recovery options including airlift if repairs fail.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Hindustan Times
UK's F-35B stealth fighter jet stranded in Kerala for a week
UK's F-35B stealth fighter jet stranded in Kerala for a week
British Navy’s F-35B fighter jet still grounded in Kerala over suspected hydraulic snag
The jet, which had taken off from UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales stationed 100 nautical miles off the coast in the Indian Ocean, was on a regular sortie when it had to divert to the Kerala airport
Fresh UK Crew To Arrive In Kerala With Spares To Inspect F-35B: Sources
A team from the British navy carrying spare parts will arrive in Kerala to inspect F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which has been stranded in Thiruvananthapuram for a week, sources have told NDTV.
F-35 aircraft diverted from Royal Navy aircraft carrier still on the ground at Indian Airport a week later
The F-35 from HMS Prince of Wales that made an emergency landing on 14th June is still on the ground at Thiruvananthapuram Airport, a week later. Local media reports say that the initial diversion was due to very bad weather around the carrier. However, the jet subsequently developed a hydraulic and/or engine issue that prevented […] The post F-35 aircraft diverted from Royal Navy aircraft carrier still on the ground at Indian Airport a week late
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