British F-35B Stealth Fighter Jet Still Grounded In Kerala Three Days After Emergency Landing: Report

A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet, part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, is still grounded at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, reported NDTV.

The aircraft made an emergency landing on Sunday morning after its pilot encountered low fuel levels.

More than 72 hours later, the jet remains on the tarmac, reportedly due to a "technical snag,"

The F-35B, a short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) jet, was operating in the Indo-Pacific following joint exercises with the Indian Navy when it diverted to Thiruvananthapuram.

A Royal Navy AW101 Merlin helicopter arrived a day after the aircraft's landing to transport the pilot back to the HMS Prince of Wales, suggesting a prolonged grounding for the jet.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is a part of the most expensive and technologically advanced fighter jet programme in world's history.

Its STOVL capability allows it to operate from carriers without catapult systems.

While renowned for its radar-evading profile and advanced sensor fusion, the F-35 programme has faced continuous scrutiny over its costs and recurring technical glitches.

The F-35B variant, specifically, has experienced issues with its lift fan system and vertical landing mechanism.