Why a British F-35 Jet Was Grounded in Kerala: The Thiruvananthapuram Incident Unraveled
Why a British F-35 Jet Was Grounded in Kerala: The Thiruvananthapuram Incident Unraveled Posted By: Technology & Defence Team Date: 28/06/2025 On June 14, 2025, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II, a pinnacle of stealth aviation, found itself unexpectedly grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India. What began as an emergency landing due to low fuel escalated into a high-stakes operation involving hydraulic repairs, stringent security measures, and a display of UK-India defense cooperation. For our team, which has closely followed the F-35 program’s operational challenges, this incident illuminates the complexities of deploying advanced military technology far from home and the strength of bilateral ties in resolving such crises. An Emergency Landing in Kerala The F-35B, part of the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was en route to the Indo-Pacific for joint exercises with allies like Japan, Australia, and India. British F-35...