Stranded UK F-35 fighter jet racks up lakhs in parking fees at Kerala airport

Thiruvananthapuram: A British F-35 fighter jet that has been grounded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport for over a month due to technical issues is reportedly incurring daily parking charges.The aircraft is now expected to head back to the United Kingdom on July 22, likely taking the Middle East route. 

The aircraft, belonging to the UK’s Royal Navy, was moved to a designated maintenance area on July 6 for assessment by British engineers.

According to a report by CNBC-TV18, citing the Indian Defence Research Wing (IDWR), the daily parking fee for the jet is estimated at ₹26,261. Based on this, the total cost for the 35 days it has remained at the airport since June 14 is approximately ₹9.19 lakh.

A 24-member team from the British Royal Air Force, including 14 technical experts and 10 crew members, arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on July 6 to evaluate the F-35B jet. Their objective was to determine whether on-site repairs were possible or if the aircraft needed to be dismantled and transported back to the UK.

Valued at over $110 million, the F-35B is among the most advanced fighter jets globally. The aircraft was engaged in operations roughly 100 nautical miles off Kerala’s coast when it was forced to make an emergency landing on June 14 due to a technical fault.

The Indian Air Force provided full support in addressing the technical issue and facilitating the jet’s return. However, a hydraulic failure was discovered during final checks as the aircraft prepared to depart. A small Royal Navy team attempted repairs on the ground but was unable to resolve the problem.

The F-35B is the only fifth-generation fighter with short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability, making it especially suited for deployment from compact decks, remote bases, and naval vessels, a news report stated.