SOURCE: AFI
– A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B Lightning II fighter jet’s emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night, June 14, 2025, due to low fuel has taken an intriguing turn, as reported by Mathrubhumi. The pilot, identified as Captain Mike, reportedly refused to leave the vicinity of his aircraft after completing mandatory customs and immigration formalities, opting instead to remain seated next to the jet on a chair provided by airport authorities.
This unusual incident, coupled with the subsequent arrival of a Royal Navy helicopter to ferry the pilot and possibly the aircraft back to its base, has sparked widespread curiosity and discussion on platforms like X.
The F-35B, a fifth-generation stealth fighter with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, was operating from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, part of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG25), approximately 100 nautical miles (185.2 km) off the Kerala coast. At around 9:20 pm on June 14, the pilot reported critically low fuel levels to Thiruvananthapuram air traffic control (ATC), prompting an emergency landing request. The aircraft, issuing a SQUAWK 7700 distress code, landed safely at 9:30 pm after the airport declared an emergency to facilitate a smooth touchdown.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), in coordination with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), escorted the jet to Thiruvananthapuram, a pre-designated emergency recovery airfield. An IAF spokesperson described the incident as a “normal occurrence of diversion,” emphasizing that full support was provided to ensure flight safety. The aircraft was guided to Bay 4, an isolated area of the airport, and refuelling operations commenced on Sunday morning after approval from Central government authorities.
According to Mathrubhumi, after safely landing the F-35B, Captain Mike disembarked and completed the mandatory customs and immigration formalities, facilitated by the airport’s robust ground handling services, including Air India SATS and BIRD GSEC Pvt. Ltd. However, when authorities attempted to escort him to the terminal for further security procedures, the pilot reportedly declined to move, citing concerns about leaving the advanced stealth fighter unattended. Instead, he requested a chair, which airport officials promptly provided, allowing him to remain stationed next to the aircraft.
The report details that Captain Mike rested beside the F-35B for an extended period, with images showing him seated as the jet underwent refuelling. This unusual behavior has drawn attention, with some speculating on X that the pilot’s actions reflect the sensitive nature of the F-35B’s technology, including its stealth design and advanced avionics, which the UK and its NATO allies guard closely. Others view it as a precautionary measure to ensure the aircraft’s security in a foreign civilian airport.
Eventually, Captain Mike agreed to accompany officials to complete the remaining formalities, but not before the arrival of a Royal Navy helicopter at Thiruvananthapuram Airport around 5:00 pm on Sunday. The helicopter, presumed to have carried a replacement pilot or technical crew, is believed to be part of arrangements to ferry the F-35B back to HMS Prince of Wales or another base. The jet, refuelled and stationed under enhanced security, awaits final clearance for departure.
The emergency landing occurred during a period of enhanced India-UK defence cooperation, following a two-day joint naval exercise in the western Arabian Sea involving HMS Prince of Wales, HMS Richmond, and the Indian Navy’s INS Tabar. The exercise included anti-submarine operations, tactical maneuvers, and helicopter control activities, reflecting the growing strategic partnership between the two nations. The F-35B’s diversion to Thiruvananthapuram was likely necessitated by rough sea conditions and adverse weather, which prevented a safe landing on the carrier. Posts on X suggest that monsoon conditions in Kerala may have contributed to the pilot missing several landing approaches, exacerbating the fuel shortage.
The F-35B, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is renowned for its versatility in precision strikes, electronic warfare, and air-to-air combat. Its STOVL capabilities make it ideal for carrier operations, but its fuel constraints during extended missions, especially in challenging conditions, highlight the complexities of naval aviation. The incident follows a similar technical issue reported by the RAF on June 12, when an F-35B experienced a “minor technical issue” near RAF Marham in Norfolk, UK, indicating potential recurring challenges with the platform.
Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the first in Kerala and a key hub for the Southern Air Command, is well-equipped to handle such incidents, with a 3,373-meter runway and advanced facilities like a CAT-1 instrument landing system. Its proximity to BrahMos Aerospace Trivandrum Limited (BATL) and the Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology highlights its strategic significance. The airport’s ability to manage the F-35B’s landing and ongoing operations demonstrates India’s growing aviation infrastructure.
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