An ultra-modern UK Navy F-35 fighter jet, valued at over £1 million, remains grounded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, days after its emergency landing on June 14 created ripples across military and diplomatic circles.
The stealth jet, part of the UK Carrier Strike Group 25 (UK CSG25), had been returning from the Passage Exercise (PASSEX) — a joint naval drill conducted with the Indian Navy in the western Arabian Sea — when it was reportedly forced to land due to low fuel. Despite the high-profile nature of the event, authorities confirmed there was no damage or injuries, and the situation is being treated as a technical glitch, not a security breach.
Visuals from the airport show the jet still parked under tight security, as arrangements are being made for British defence personnel to arrive later this week to assess, service, and reclaim the aircraft.
The PASSEX exercise, held on June 9 and 10, featured INS Tabar, a submarine, and a P-8I aircraft from the Indian Navy, alongside the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Richmond from the UK. Operations during the drill included coordinated anti-submarine warfare, tactical manoeuvres, and joint helicopter control — showcasing growing maritime synergy.
The incident, though unexpected, has not overshadowed the strategic success of the bilateral naval exercise, which both nations hailed as a reflection of deepening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
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