A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet has been stuck at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for more than three days after it made an emergency landing late Saturday night. The jet, known for its advanced stealth and combat capabilities, had to land after experiencing a technical problem, according to official sources.

The fighter jet was operating as part of the United Kingdom’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, which is currently in the Indo-Pacific region following joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy. Reports say the aircraft had to divert to the airport because it was running low on fuel.

A Royal Navy AW101 Merlin helicopter arrived at the airport a day after the landing to fly the pilot back to the aircraft carrier. This indicates that it might still take some time before the fighter jet is ready to return to operations at sea.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), which confirmed it assisted with the emergency diversion, called the situation a “normal occurrence” and said it was providing logistical support.

What is the F-35B?

The F-35B is one of the most high-tech and expensive fighter jets in the world. It was developed by Lockheed Martin and is part of the larger F-35 program, which includes multiple countries and service branches. The B variant is designed for short take-offs and vertical landings (STOVL), making it suitable for aircraft carriers without catapult systems.

This jet is used by many Western militaries, including the Israeli Air Force, which has deployed it in recent operations over Iranian territory. Its radar-evading design and advanced sensors make it one of the most powerful aircraft in modern air combat.

Despite its impressive design, the F-35 program has faced criticism over its cost and frequent technical issues. The F-35B, in particular, has sometimes had problems with its lift fan system and vertical landing functions, systems that allow it to land and take off like a helicopter.

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