India, July 3 -- Nineteen days after a British F-35B stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and has remained stranded since then, the United Kingdom is now exploring the option of airlifting the jet aboard a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, media reports said.

If done, this will be a rare move for a fighter of its class.

"A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier," the High Comm...