GG News Bureau
Thiruvananthapuram, 20th June: The British Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, continues to remain parked in the open for the sixth consecutive day, as sources reveal the UK has declined offers to move the aircraft into a hangar due to concerns over its highly protected technologies.
The fifth-generation fighter, part of the HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group currently operating in the Indo-Pacific, has reportedly suffered a hydraulic systems snag. Despite round-the-clock work by British aviation engineers, the technical issue remains unresolved.
Sources said that although Air India had offered hangar space for sheltering the aircraft from the elements, the Royal Navy opted to keep the jet outside, likely due to strict secrecy protocols surrounding the aircraft’s advanced avionics and stealth technology.
“The F-35B is a crown jewel in British naval aviation,” a source familiar with the matter said. “It’s not just a fighter jet — it is a flying vault of next-generation defence tech. Allowing it to be moved into a facility not under British control would raise serious concerns about the exposure of its sensitive components.”
While a final inspection and potential repair in a hangar haven’t been ruled out, sources indicate that the Royal Navy is weighing the risk of even temporary indoor relocation carefully.
The fighter jet drew significant public attention over the past week, with aviation enthusiasts gathering around the airport to catch a glimpse of the rare machine. The aircraft remains under a tight security cordon, with both Indian authorities and Royal Navy personnel ensuring restricted access.
The F-35B’s emergency landing was first reported as a precaution due to low fuel, with the Indian Air Force later confirming it as an official emergency. Since then, the IAF has provided full logistical support to the British team stationed at the airport.
This incident marks the first unscheduled landing of a British F-35B in India and underscores the complexities of international military deployments involving cutting-edge technology in allied but non-NATO countries.
As of now, the aircraft’s return to HMS Prince of Wales remains on hold pending successful repairs.
