UK to Relocate Grounded F-35B to Thiruvananthapuram Airport MRO Facility
The British Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, remains grounded due to a hydraulic issue. Nearly two weeks have passed, and the UK has agreed to India's proposal to relocate the aircraft to a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport. The delay has highlighted an estimated parking fee of ₹26,000 per day.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission stated that the aircraft would be moved into a hangar once a UK engineering team arrives in Kerala with the necessary equipment. A specialized tow vehicle along with a 40-member crew is on its way from the United Kingdom to commence repairs. The jet, worth approximately $110 million, is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.
The emergency landing was necessitated by low fuel and adverse weather conditions, which prevented the aircraft from returning to its carrier situated 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. The Indian Air Force assisted by facilitating the landing and providing essential refueling and ground support. Despite multiple attempts, the jet remains stationary on Bay 4, a space typically set aside for VIP flights, under round-the-clock surveillance by security agencies including the CISF.
Reports indicate that parking fees at the Adani-operated Thiruvananthapuram airport are calculated based on the aircraft's weight. The F-35B’s Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 27.3 MT results in a fee of around ₹26,000 per day, accumulating to over ₹3.15 lakh over 12 days. The Indian government is reportedly considering whether these charges will be waived as part of bilateral defense cooperation.
Despite the technical malfunction, the presence of the aircraft has not disrupted regular flight operations. The Indian side has continued to provide logistical support, which includes accommodation and meals for the British crew.
The prolonged presence of the high-tech aircraft has generated humor online, with memes circulating that list it for sale on platforms like OLX and jesting that it has "earned Indian citizenship."
With the UK's commitment to resolving the issue, the F-35B is expected to be operational once all safety checks and repairs are finalized, a process closely observed by defense and aviation authorities from both countries.
