Stranded F-35B Jet Moves to Hangar in Kerala as UK Team Arrives for Repairs

A high-stakes recovery operation is now officially underway at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, as a British F-35B fighter jet, stranded since an emergency landing on June 14, was successfully towed into a dedicated hangar. This critical move followed the Sunday arrival of a specialized engineering team from the United Kingdom, tasked with bringing the sophisticated aircraft back online.

"A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion," confirmed a spokesperson for the British High Commission. This development underscores the close cooperation between India and the UK, with the UK gratefully accepting India's offer of space at the airport's Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Discussions are reportedly ongoing to finalize the precise arrangements with relevant Indian authorities.

The expert team, comprising 21 aviation engineers, touched down at approximately 12:45 PM aboard a Royal Air Force ZM 417, an Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft. Soon after their arrival, the roughly £85-million jet, which has been a conspicuous presence on the tarmac since its unexpected landing due to low fuel levels and adverse weather during a routine sortie, was carefully relocated to the hangar. Previous attempts by Royal Navy technicians from its accompanying Carrier Strike Group had proven unsuccessful in fixing the issue.

Officials familiar with the situation indicate that the newly arrived team will conduct a thorough inspection of the advanced stealth F-35B jet, which belongs to the Royal Navy, with the primary goal of repairing it for flight. Should these efforts fail, British authorities are reportedly prepared for a highly sensitive operation: the partial dismantling of the jet under stringent secrecy, followed by its airlift, potentially aboard a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft.

The F-35B in question is an integral part of the Carrier Strike Group operating with HMS Prince of Wales, and had recently participated in joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy. Its emergency landing on the night of June 14 was facilitated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which provided crucial support for its safe touchdown, followed by refuelling and logistical assistance. An initial inspection by engineers from the HMS Prince of Wales had determined that the engineering issue preventing its return to the aircraft carrier necessitated the support of a UK-based specialist team.

The British High Commission in India had earlier stated its intention to move the aircraft to the MRO facility to "minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations" once the specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrived. The ongoing situation, and India's swift and extensive support, has been highlighted by the British High Commission as a testament to the "close coordination and deepening relationship that exists between the Armed Forces of the UK and India."