Thiruvananthapuram – In an unusual episode that has drawn global attention, a cutting-edge British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet has been grounded at Trivandrum Airport for six days, following an emergency landing on June 14. The aircraft, deployed from the UK’s aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, was forced to divert due to hydraulic failure, engine trouble, and adverse weather over the Arabian Sea, leaving it unable to return to the carrier.
The aircraft — valued at over £100 million — is currently stationed at Bay 4, heavily secured under round-the-clock CISF protection, while Royal Navy engineers and a replacement pilot remain on-site attempting to restore its flight-readiness. Initial repair efforts were delayed due to ongoing technical faults, with experts suggesting that the issue may go beyond hydraulics and involve the engine itself.
The Indian Air Force and airport authorities have provided crucial support, including fuel, logistics, and accommodation, while ensuring tight airfield security and safety.
With no official word on a departure date, speculation continues over whether the jet will be repaired on Indian soil or returned to the carrier once spare parts arrive.
The rare presence of such a sophisticated vertical-lift stealth aircraft on Indian ground not only showcases advanced military aviation but also highlights growing defense cooperation between India and the UK—and the complexities involved in maintaining high-tech hardware far from home.
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