A British High Commission spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that a UK F-35B aircraft is currently awaiting repairs at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue.
According to news agency ANI, the spokesperson stated that the aircraft, which was diverted to the airport nearly two weeks ago, will be moved to the airport`s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility once engineering teams from the UK arrive with specialist equipment.
“A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft. The aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support,” the spokesperson said.
The F-35B made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport nearly a fortnight ago after it was unable to return to the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier due to adverse weather conditions. The UK aircraft was safely diverted to the Thiruvananthapuram airport, where it subsequently developed an engineering issue that prevented its return to the carrier.
Following the aircraft`s landing, engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and determined that assistance from a UK-based engineering team was required to carry out necessary repairs.
The High Commission also highlighted that the ongoing security and organisational assistance provided by India reflects the strong coordination and growing relationship between the Armed Forces of the UK and India.
Earlier, the Indian Air Force (IAF) had confirmed that the Royal Navy fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on the night of June 14.
In a post on X, the IAF had said, “A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield.”
A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25.
Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram
earmarked… pic.twitter.com/gL2CQcuJc7— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) June 15, 2025
(With ANI inputs)