A British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet remains grounded in Kerala after an emergency landing.

By Aniket Chakraborty June 21, 2025 Arrow

The stealth jet made an unscheduled landing in Thiruvananthapuram due to critically low fuel.

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The jet was part of HMS Prince of Wales’ Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific.

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A technical snag has delayed its return to the aircraft carrier for over 72 hours.

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A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter picked up the pilot a day after the emergency.

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The Indian Air Force has been providing logistical and operational support since the landing.

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The F-35B is a cutting-edge fighter capable of short take-offs and vertical landings.

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Its lift-fan tech allows deployment from carriers without catapult systems.

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Despite its power, the F-35B often faces issues with vertical landing and lift mechanics.

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The jet’s status in Kerala underscores both its advanced design—and its vulnerabilities.

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