Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: A British F-35B stealth fighter jet belonging to the Royal Navy remains grounded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport following a technical malfunction, and India has decided to levy parking charges for the aircraft’s extended stay.

✈️ Emergency Landing on June 14.

The F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation fighter, made an emergency landing on June 14 due to bad weather and fuel limitations while flying over the Indian Ocean.
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⚙️ Hydraulic System Failure.

Post-landing inspection revealed a hydraulic failure, which rendered the aircraft unable to take off again.

🛠️ Repairs Underway.

A team of technical experts from the UK has arrived to assess and repair the jet. The UK government has also received permission to move the aircraft to a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.

🤝🇬🇧 India–UK Cooperation.

The situation has demonstrated strong diplomatic cooperation between India and the UK. However, India has made it clear that the Royal Navy will be required to pay parking fees for the duration the jet remains grounded on Indian soil.

🚛 Alternative Evacuation Options Ignored?

Experts point out that the UK’s Royal Air Force could have airlifted the F-35B using a C-130J Super Hercules or C-17 Globemaster, yet no such action has been taken so far.