In an unusual turn of events, a British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14, is now facing parking charges after remaining grounded for nearly two weeks due to a hydraulic failure. The airport authorities have confirmed that a parking fee will be levied, marking a rare instance of a foreign military aircraft being billed for extended tarmac use in India.
✈️ Emergency Landing and Technical Snag
- The F-35B Lightning II, part of the HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, made an emergency landing amid bad weather during a sortie over the Indian Ocean
- The jet developed a hydraulic issue, rendering it immobile and requiring specialized repairs
- It has since been parked in Bay 4, a VIP-designated area at the airport, under round-the-clock security by India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
💸 Parking Fee and Diplomatic Nuance
- While the exact fee is yet to be finalized, estimates suggest a charge of ₹26,000 per day, potentially totaling over ₹3.1 lakh
- The Union government may cover the cost, given the aircraft’s military status and allied ties with the UK
- The airport typically calculates fees based on Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW), but the F-35’s non-commercial status complicates standard billing metrics
🔧 Repairs and Security Concerns
- A UK-based engineering team is expected to arrive soon to conduct repairs
- British officials have dismissed speculation about espionage fears, expressing gratitude to Indian authorities for safeguarding the jet
- The aircraft remains exposed to monsoon rains, prompting discussions about moving it to a hangar, though the British Navy has reportedly resisted this due to logistical constraints
📌 Why It Matters
- This is the first time an F-35B has been stranded abroad, raising questions about logistics, security, and international cooperation
- The incident underscores the complexities of hosting foreign military assets on civilian infrastructure
- It also highlights India’s growing role as a strategic partner in global defense operations
🔁 Share this article to follow the unfolding story of the world’s most advanced fighter jet grounded on Indian soil.
