British Royal Navy's F-35B Fighter jet grounded in Kerala after hydraulic failure; may be flown back in transport aircraft: Defence officials

NEW DELHI: A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14 remains grounded due to a hydraulic system failure, defence officials confirmed on Friday. The aircraft may now be transported back to its carrier via a military transport aircraft if on-ground repairs remain unsuccessful.

The stealth fighter, operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales , was conducting routine flying outside Indian airspace and had designated Thiruvananthapuram as its emergency recovery airfield. According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), the jet was forced to land due to low fuel.

“A few days ago, the F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy had made an emergency landing due to low fuel, after which the Indian Air Force had provided all required support, including refuelling,” defence officials said. “However, when the aircraft was going back, it developed a hydraulic failure and could not return.”

A UK Navy maintenance team initially attempted repairs on site but failed to rectify the issue. Now, a larger maintenance team is expected to arrive to assess further options.

“If required, the aircraft may even be taken back in a military transport aircraft,” the officials added.

In an earlier statement on X, the IAF confirmed the emergency recovery was detected and managed through its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), and that it continues to assist with technical support for the aircraft’s return.