British F-35 emergency landing: Why the fighter jet had to stop at Kerala's Trivandrum airport

A United Kingdom (UK) Navy F-35 fighter jet made an emergency landing at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday, around 9:30 PM due to low fuel.

The aircraft had to make an emergency landing after reporting low fuel mid-flight, news wire PTI reported, citing sources.

"The pilot reported low fuel and asked for permission to land. Everything was handled quickly and professionally," the source said.

The jet is part of the British Carrier Strike Group's aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, and remains parked at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

The F-35 is the same aircraft which US President Donald Trump earlier this year, offered to include India among the select group of nations authorised to buy from the US.

As per the standard protocol for any foreign military aircraft operating in Indian airspace, refuelling of the UK Navy F-35 fighter jet will only take place after relevant authorities in the Central government approve of the same, sources told PTI.

‘Standard diversion by F-35’ says IAF

Indian Air Force (IAF) officials described the F-35 fighter jet's emergency landing as a routine diversion, confirming they were fully informed about the situation and had extended all necessary support.

"This is a normal occurrence of diversion by an F-35. The IAF was fully aware and facilitated the aircraft for flight safety reasons. All assistance is being provided, and the IAF is coordinating with all relevant agencies," the IAF said in their statement.

What are F-35 jets?

The F-35 Lightning II, developed by Lockheed Martin for the United States and its allies, is one of the world's most advanced and versatile fighter jets.

The total cost behind the F-35 fighter jet program, including its development, production, and maintenance, is estimated to be over $1.7 trillion, Lockheed Martin had said, reported CNBC-18.

Each jet costs around the following:

• $80 million for the F-35A (standard version)

• $115 million for the F-35B (short takeoff/vertical landing)
• $110 million for the F-35C (designed for aircraft carriers)

Operating an F-35 is also comes for a hefty price, with each flight hour costing about $36,000.