Indian Air Force Confirms ‘Fully Aware’ of ‘British F-35’ Fighter Jet’s Emergency Landing in Kerala
A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday (June 14, 2025). The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed it was aware of the landing, clarifying the incident as a routine emergency diversion coordinated by Indian authorities.
The F-35B stealth fighter, developed by Lockheed Martin, operates from the United Kingdom’s (UK) aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales. The aircraft was conducting routine flights outside India’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) when the incident occurred.
What Exactly Happened at Thiruvananthapuram Airport?
The British fighter jet made an emergency landing at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday after reporting low fuel. Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft had requested and received clearance for the landing.
Responding to queries, an IAF spokesperson released a statement on Sunday (June 15, 2025), clarifying:
“A normal occurrence of diversion by F-35B. The IAF is fully aware and facilitated the aircraft for flight safety reasons. All assistance being given, and the IAF is in coordination with all agencies.”
Was Indian Airspace Breached?
According to the IAF, there was no breach of Indian airspace or violation of aviation protocols. Upon declaration of the emergency, the F-35B was promptly detected and identified by India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), ensuring a safe recovery.
In a separate official communication via X, the IAF stated precisely:
“A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield. On having declared a diversion off an emergency, the F35B was detected and identified by the IAF’s IACCS network and cleared for the recovery.”
What Measures is the IAF Taking?
The IAF is actively providing technical and logistical support to British personnel. The objective is to ensure prompt rectification and safe return of the fighter jet. Details on the timeframe for departure remain undisclosed as of Monday (June 16, 2025).
The event highlights established protocols for handling emergencies involving foreign military aircraft operating near Indian airspace.
