UK’s F35-B, most advanced jet, still stranded
The American built, British Navy’s F-35B ‘Lightning’ stealth fighter jet, supposed to be among the world’s most advanced combat aircraft and valued at over $110 million, is still stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The British aircraft carrier was still sailing in the North Arabian Sea after carrying out a joint UK-India naval Passage Exercise in the Indian Ocean.
Then on June 14, 2025, the jet, which was operating outside the Indian Air Defence Identification Zone as part of a routine sortie began approaching the Indian Air Defence Zone.
After encountering adverse weather and subsequently unable to land on the carrier even after several attempts, it headed for the pre designated airport at Thiruvananthapuram.
The stealth jet was detected well in time and a Sukhoi 30 MKI was scrambled to intercept it The pilot meanwhile radioed MAY DAY MAY DAY due to low fuel. The Jet was escorted and it landed at the civil airport in Thiruvananthapuram.
However after land in India it was refuelled but could not take off as it developed a complex engineering issue that prevented its return to the carrie
Initial repair attempts by Royal Navy technicians from the carrier strike group were unsuccessful, necessitating the involvement of specialised UK engineering teams. After nearly two weeks of deliberation, the UK accepted India’s offer to move the aircraft to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
The British High Commission confirmed that the aircraft will be relocated to the hangar once the UK teams arrive with specialist equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to the airport’s scheduled maintenance operations.
Throughout the incident, ground teams from both countries have worked closely to maintain safety and security protocols, with the UK expressing gratitude for the support extended by Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The Indian Air Force has also played a key role, providing necessary assistance for the rectification and anticipated return of the aircraft to active service.
The F-35B is expected to resume operational duties after the completion of repairs and thorough safety checks. This episode underscores the strong cooperation between the UK and India, particularly in the fields of defence and aviation logistics, and highlights the strategic importance of Indian facilities for international military operations.
