UK team arrives in Kerala to assess F-35 jet after emergency landing; aircraft moved to hangar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A team of British aviation engineers landed in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday to repair the F-35B stealth fighter jet that has been grounded at the international airport for the past 23 days.
The 14-member team arrived aboard a Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft, carrying specialist equipment. The jet, stranded since June 14 due to a hydraulic system failure, was moved to a designated hangar space provided by Air India.
“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,” a British High Commission spokesperson said in a statement.
The UK has accepted India’s offer to use the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport and is working with relevant authorities to finalise arrangements.
“In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process,” the statement added. The jet had diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to adverse weather and low fuel, and was cleared to land by the Indian Air Force.
A Royal Navy helicopter had flown in an additional pilot and engineer the next day, but early repair efforts were unsuccessful. Towing the aircraft was deemed too risky, prompting the UK to send a full engineering crew.
Aviation experts say the team faces a major challenge in making the aircraft flight-ready.
“It appears the UK is hoping to carry out essential repairs and attempt a carrier landing with support from their expert maintenance team and specially assigned test pilots,” said Wing Commander A Mahesh (Retd.), an aviation analyst.
“For the F-35B to return to the carrier, its thrust vectoring system is crucial. And that depends entirely on the hydraulic system, which, by current indications, remains unserviceable. If the jet can’t be flown out, Thiruvananthapuram may see another large RAF transport aircraft arriving to lift the F-35B out,” he added.
The grounding of a fifth-generation fighter in a non-NATO country like India has sparked questions in the British parliament. The incident has also drawn wide attention online, with even the Kerala tourism department posting light-hearted content showcasing the state’s hospitality.
Since the beginning, India’s ministry of defence has played a key role in facilitating the UK crew and aircraft, offering swift clearances and logistical support -- an example of India-UK defence cooperation.
“The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams,” the High Commission said.
The F-35B is part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group aboard HMS Prince of Wales, currently stationed around 100 nautical miles off the Indian coast. The group, which includes HMS Richmond, recently completed a joint PASSEX maritime drill with the Indian Navy, featuring INS Tabar, a submarine, and a P-8I surveillance aircraft.
