Thu Jul 03 11:49:43 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B combat jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, since June 14th after making an emergency landing due to adverse weather. The aircraft has since developed engineering issues, preventing it from taking off. An expert team from the UK, potentially including members from Lockheed Martin, is expected to arrive soon to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for repair and retrieval. Options include fixing the plane in place, towing it to a hangar, or dismantling it for airlift. The situation has drawn attention in the UK Parliament, with reassurances given that the aircraft is secure under RAF guard. The aircraft was reportedly involved in joint naval drills with the Indian Navy prior to the incident.

**News Article:**

**British F-35B Stranded in India, Expert Team En Route**

*Thiruvananthapuram, India – July 3, 2025* A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B combat jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after an emergency landing on June 14th. The aircraft, reportedly involved in joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, was forced to land due to adverse weather conditions. However, subsequent engineering problems have prevented its departure.

An expert team from the United Kingdom is expected to arrive in Kerala this weekend to assess the situation and determine the best course of action for repairing and recovering the advanced fighter jet. Sources suggest the team may include engineers from Lockheed Martin, the aircraft’s manufacturer.

Possible solutions under consideration include on-site repairs, towing the aircraft to a hangar facility at the airport, or, as a last resort, disassembling parts for air transport back to the UK or the US.

The grounding has become a subject of discussion in the UK Parliament. “Though grounded, the aircraft remains under close U.K. control,” stated Minister for the Armed Forces Luke Pollard, assuring that RAF personnel are providing round-the-clock security.

The UK authorities are committed to returning the F-35B to active service once repairs and mandatory safety checks are completed in Kerala.

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