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3w ago

British F-35B Jet Grounded in Kerala After Emergency Diversion

Having completed refuelling, Indian authorities await resolution of a suspected technical glitch before approving the jet’s departure.

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A F-35 fighter jet of the UK Navy makes an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.
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Overview

  • On June 14, a Royal Navy F-35B declared an emergency due to low fuel and safely landed at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after weather prevented carrier recovery
  • The stealth fighter was operating from HMS Prince of Wales as part of the UK Carrier Strike Group’s joint exercises with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea
  • The Indian Air Force coordinated an emergency response, cleared the runway, and provided security and logistical support for the unarmed aircraft
  • Refuelling was finished by June 16, but the jet remains parked in an isolated bay under supervision of Royal Navy and IAF engineers
  • Investigations into a suspected technical glitch are ongoing and Indian clearance is required before the F-35B can return to carrier operations