Sat Jul 19 05:46:31 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A grounded Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India on July 14th, 2025, is now expected to return to the UK early next week after undergoing maintenance. The aircraft’s auxiliary power unit malfunctioned, requiring a team of experts from the UK to repair it. The jet has been parked at the airport since its emergency landing and incurred parking fees estimated at ₹15,000-₹20,000 per day. The return flight is subject to clearance from the Indian Ministries of External Affairs and Defence.

**News Article:**

**British RAF Fighter Jet Set to Depart India After Emergency Landing, Costly Repairs**

*Thiruvananthapuram, India – July 19, 2025*

A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B fighter jet, grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since an emergency landing on July 14th, is poised to return to the United Kingdom early next week. The fifth-generation stealth aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, experienced a critical malfunction in its auxiliary power unit, forcing the unscheduled landing.

Following the arrival of a specialized team from the UK, repairs have been completed. However, the aircraft’s departure is contingent upon clearance from both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence.

“The jet requires the necessary approvals from the central government before it can be cleared for flight,” a source familiar with the situation confirmed.

While British authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the repairs, sources indicate the auxiliary power unit suffered significant damage. Initial attempts by the aircraft’s crew to resolve the issue proved unsuccessful.

The grounded jet has accrued substantial parking fees, estimated between ₹15,000 and ₹20,000 per day, payable to the Thiruvananthapuram Airport. Additional charges will be levied by AI Engineering Services Ltd. for the use of its hangar facility, where the repairs were conducted.

The team of engineers who conducted the repairs, along with their equipment, are also scheduled to return to the UK in the coming days.

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