£100M F-35 Fighter Jet Grounded in Kerala Faces Parking Fees
- June 26, 2025
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Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is set to impose parking fees on a British Royal Navy F-35 fighter jet, which has been grounded for nearly 10 days due to a hydraulic malfunction. The advanced aircraft, valued at £100 million, encountered technical difficulties that have left it stranded at the airport. This situation is unprecedented as it marks the first instance of such a sophisticated fighter jet being immobilized outside its home country. The airport authorities are currently in the process of determining the exact parking fee to be charged for the duration of the jet’s stay. Meanwhile, engineers from both the United Kingdom and the United States are expected to arrive in Kerala to address and resolve the hydraulic issue. Their expertise is crucial for ensuring that the aircraft can safely resume its operations and return to its base. The incident highlights the logistical challenges and financial implications associated with maintaining advanced military technology abroad. It also underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing technical setbacks in military aviation. The resolution of this issue will be closely monitored by both military and aviation experts, given its significance in terms of operational readiness and international military cooperation.