World’s Most Expensive Fighter Jet Grounded in Kerala After Emergency Landing

A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet — widely regarded as the world’s most expensive combat aircraft — has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, since an emergency landing on June 14, 2025.

The jet was forced to land due to low fuel levels and adverse weather, which prevented its return to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier. However, once on the ground, it developed a hydraulic snag, making it unfit to fly.

Repair Efforts Underway

Despite initial attempts by Royal Navy technicians to repair the aircraft, a larger team of British and US engineers, equipped with specialized tools, is being flown in to address the complex technical fault.

After initial British reluctance to expose sensitive technologies, the jet is now being moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for further inspection and restoration.

This incident has drawn significant attention due to the aircraft’s high value, advanced stealth technology, and the rare nature of such groundings outside operational zones.