UK Engineers Arrive In Kerala To Repair Stranded F-35B Stealth Fighter Jet Amid Tight Security

A British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M touched down in Kerala on Sunday (6 July), carrying a team of aviation engineers tasked with repairing a stranded F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

The British Royal Navy fighter jet has been moved to a designated facility for British engineers to assess it, news agency PTI reported, citing airport sources.

The fifth-gen stealth fighter jet, part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, has been grounded since 14 June following an emergency landing prompted by what the British High Commission described as an “engineering issue”.

“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” a British High Commission spokesperson was quoted as saying in the PTI report.

The $110 million fighter jet was unable to return to its carrier due to rough sea conditions.

A preliminary examination by engineers aboard the HMS Prince of Wales indicated that repairs demanded specialist tools and personnel from the UK.

The advanced F-35B is the world’s only fifth-generation stealth aircraft capable of short take-off and vertical landing, making it suited for operations from smaller carriers and austere airstrips.

Security remains stringent around the jet, which has been relocated to a hangar from Bay 4 of the airport.

Armed Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel continue to guard the aircraft.

Local airport officials have collaborated with various agencies to ensure logistical support, including accommodation and meals for the visiting British technical team.

The Indian Air Force is reportedly assisting with the repair efforts and overall coordination.

“Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram international airport for their continued support,” the British High Commission added.

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