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...
What Inspired the Nagas to Take Up Arms? The Journey from NNC to NSCN and Beyond The story of the Naga insurgency is one of identity, culture, and a fierce desire for self-determination. To understand why the Nagas raised an army and formed multiple armed groups, we need to look at their history, their struggles, and their dreams of sovereignty. Naga National Flag The Inspiration Behind the Armed Struggle At its core, the motivation for the Naga armed struggle was to protect their unique identity, culture, and ancestral lands. When India gained independence in 1947, the Nagas expected autonomy or even independence based on earlier promises. However, the Indian government integrated the Naga territories into the Union of India without granting the promised rights. Despite their traditional reputation as headhunters — a practice that had declined significantly by the mid-20th century — the Nagas had a strong sense of ethnic pride and cultural uniqueness. They saw themselves as disti...