The British Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning fighter jet, grounded for 39 days in Kerala, finally took off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on 22 July 2025. The emergency landing, prompted by a technical snag on June 14, led to one of the most talked-about moments in India’s aviation and defence news this year.
Why Did the Jet Land in India?
On June 14, the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales was conducting a routine sortie just outside India’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Mid-air, one of its F-35B stealth fighters experienced a hydraulic failure. Seeking the nearest emergency recovery airfield, the aircraft made a sudden but safe landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport.
Following the landing, the aircraft was moved to the Air India hangar. The Indian Air Force stepped in with crucial support — from logistics to refuelling. An engineering team from the UK Royal Air Force arrived on July 6 to carry out a detailed inspection and necessary repairs.
The British High Commission expressed deep gratitude, saying, “The UK remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process.”
How Long Did the Jet Stay?
Grounded for 39 days, the F-35B became an unexpected fixture at the airport. On July 21, it was moved from the hangar to the airport bay, readying for departure. On July 22, at 10:50 am, it finally took off, heading to Darwin, Australia — resuming its mission under the UK’s Indo-Pacific engagement plan.
Kerala’s Viral Moment: “The Jet That Didn’t Leave”
As the monsoon swept over Kerala, photos of the high-tech jet drenched in rain circulated widely online. Kerala Tourism was the first to post a witty message on X (formerly Twitter):
“Kerala — the destination you’ll never want to leave.”
This sparked a flood of similar posts by state entities like Milma, Kerala Police, and the AIDS Control Society, turning the grounded jet into an unexpected tourism mascot.
What Makes the F-35B So Special?
The F-35B Lightning is among the world’s most advanced fighter jets. Developed by Lockheed Martin, it’s a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft designed for versatility and stealth. Priced at over USD 110 million, the F-35B is a vital component of the UK’s airpower strategy and a symbol of next-gen defence capability.
This particular jet was part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 25 (UK CSG25), which had recently participated in a joint Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea. The collaboration highlights growing defence ties between India and the UK.
India–UK Defence Cooperation: A Growing Bond
The incident, while unplanned, turned into an opportunity for deeper collaboration. The successful coordination between Indian and British forces during the jet’s recovery underlined trust and operational synergy.
India’s swift assistance — from granting emergency landing permission to facilitating repairs — was widely appreciated. It also showcased India’s readiness to handle high-tech, international defence emergencies efficiently.
Conclusion
The departure of the British F-35B Lightning fighter jet marks the end of an unusual chapter in India–UK defence relations. But it also served as a real-world example of military collaboration, quick response, and unexpected diplomacy through technical necessity. And for Kerala, it was a moment that combined monsoons, memes, and a marvel of modern aviation.