UK Engineers Fly in to Repair Stranded F‑35B Fighter Jet in Kerala
UK Royal Navy’s F‑35B stealth fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport since June 14 due to a hydraulic fault, will be repaired by UK engineers onsite. It’ll be moved to the local MRO hangar with specialist equipment, highlighting deep UK–India defence cooperation
image for illustrative purpose
Earlier on-site technicians from HMS Prince of Wales attempted fixes, but the complexity of the snag required specialist support. In response, UK aviation engineers are now flying in with dedicated equipment for a comprehensive repair effort.
The plan is to move the jet into the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar once the UK crew arrives—this relieves space constraints in the VIP bay and allows scheduled airport operations to continue undisturbed.
The F‑35B, valued at over $110 million, represents Britain’s most advanced fighter technology. It features short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capability and recently participated in joint drills with the Indian Navy as part of deployment from the carrier HMS Prince of Wales.
The UK High Commission extended gratitude to Indian authorities—including the Indian Air Force, Navy, CISF, and airport staff—for their support and coordination. Work will continue until repairs and safety verifications are completed, after which the jet will safely return to its carrier.
This incident marks a rare event involving a fifth‑generation fighter's emergency landing abroad and underscores growing UK–India defence collaboration and logistical readiness on foreign soil.F‑35B Kerala repair, UK engineers Thiruvananthapuram, stranded F35B India, UK India defence cooperation, F‑35B hydraulic fault, HMS Prince of Wales jet, MRO hangar Kerala
