US Technicians Initiate Urgent F-35B Rescue as Fighter Jet Grounded in Kerala
In a dramatic turn of events, US technicians have launched an urgent rescue operation for a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet that has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala for nearly two weeks. The jet, valued at over $100 million, was forced to make an emergency landing on June 14, 2025, after encountering severe weather and dangerously low fuel during a routine Indo-Pacific patrol.
Initially grounded 100 nautical miles from its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, the F-35B’s complex systems necessitated a specialized engineering team from the UK, equipped with advanced diagnostic tools. After initial attempts to repair the aircraft on-site failed, officials decided to relocate the fighter into a secure hangar to mitigate risks of unauthorized access to its sensitive technologies.
The relocation was a significant logistical maneuver, allowing both British and American technicians to work on the aircraft without interference from other operations at the busy airport. Specialized towing equipment is en route from the UK, and teams are poised to assess the fighter for potential repairs. Should these efforts prove unsuccessful, plans are in place to airlift the jet back using a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.
The prolonged presence of the F-35B has not only posed technical challenges but has also incurred escalating costs for the airport, which has been charging approximately $350 per day in parking fees, accumulating over $3,700 in just 12 days. Despite these financial ripples, the incident highlights a remarkable case of military coordination and international cooperation.
A UK defense spokesperson expressed gratitude towards Indian authorities for their support, emphasizing the importance of safety and security throughout the operation. As the F-35B remains a grounded testament to cutting-edge military technology, the world watches closely, pondering whether this incident is merely a technical glitch or indicative of deeper issues within modern military aviation.