Emergency Landing of British Fighter Jet in Kerala. On the night of June 14, 2025, a British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Kerala. the aircraft, which was part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group operating in the Arabian Sea, encountered low fuel levels mid mission. Adverse weather conditions near the carrier prevented a safe landing at sea, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency and request diversion to the nearest airstrip. Airport authorities promptly activated emergency protocols, enabling a smooth and safe landing at around 9:30 PM IST. Flights at Thiruvananthapuram Airport were briefly held during the emergency protocol activation but resumed soon after the aircraft was secured.
Coordination Between Indian and British Authorities The emergency landing was carried out with full coordination between the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Navy, and British defense authorities. The IAF confirmed that it had been informed of the situation in advance and was involved in ensuring the fighter jet’s safe recovery. The British High Commission also played a role in post landing logistics, including technical inspection and refueling coordination. Aircraft Status and Immediate Response The F-35B landed safely without incident, and the pilot was unharmed. The aircraft was immediately moved to a secure area of the airport where it remains parked. No damage was reported, and airport operations returned to normal shortly after. Refueling and technical support are currently being managed under Indian protocols, which require central government approval before any foreign military aircraft can be serviced. Strategic Implications and Context This incident underscores the operational complexity and coordination required during multinational naval deployments. The F-35B is a state of the art fifth generation fighter jet with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities. The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group had just completed joint PASSEX (Passage Exercises) with the Indian Navy in the Arabian Sea, reflecting growing India–UK defense ties. The successful handling of this emergency highlights the robustness of India’s aviation infrastructure and military cooperation protocols.