The British Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to a hydraulic issue, following an emergency landing made on June 14. Nearly two weeks have passed since the incident, during which the UK has accepted India’s offer to relocate the aircraft to a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the same airport. However, the extended grounding of the jet has raised eyebrows, particularly due to an estimated parking fee of ₹26,000 per day.
A spokesperson from the British High Commission confirmed the plan to move the aircraft into a hangar once a UK engineering team arrives in Kerala equipped with the necessary tools and machinery. A specialized tow vehicle, along with a crew of 40 personnel, is currently en route from the UK to initiate repairs. The F-35B is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, with a hefty valuation of approximately $110 million.
The emergency landing was necessitated by low fuel levels and adverse weather conditions, which hindered the aircraft’s return to its carrier stationed about 100 nautical miles off the coast of Kerala. The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in facilitating the safe landing by providing essential refueling and ground support. Despite several attempts at repairs, the aircraft remains on Bay 4, generally reserved for VIP flights, under constant surveillance by security agencies, including the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Parking charges at Adani-operated Thiruvananthapuram airport are determined based on the aircraft’s weight. Given that the F-35B has a Maximum Take-Off Weight of 27.3 metric tons, the incurred daily fee stands at around ₹26,000, accumulating to over ₹3.15 lakh across the 12-day grounding. The Indian government is reportedly considering whether these costs will be covered as part of ongoing bilateral defense cooperation.
Interestingly, the situation has not disrupted regular flight operations at the airport. The Indian side has also extended logistical support to the British crew, providing them with accommodation and meals during their stay.
The unusual extended presence of the advanced fighter jet has sparked a wave of humor online, with memes humorously listing it for sale on platforms like OLX and jokingly suggesting that it has “earned Indian citizenship.”
In light of the UK’s commitment to resolving the mechanical issue, it is anticipated that the F-35B will be restored to airworthy status following thorough safety checks and repairs, a process that both nations’ defense and aviation authorities are carefully monitoring.
