A team of UK aviation engineers is en route to Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to repair a Royal Navy F-35B Lightning jet that has been stranded at the city's international airport since June 14. The advanced fighter jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, made an emergency landing after reporting low fuel levels, exacerbated by adverse weather conditions that prevented its return to the aircraft carrier, which was located approximately 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast.
Following the safe landing, facilitated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) which provided refueling and logistical support, the F-35B developed a hydraulic failure, preventing it from taking off. Several attempts by Royal Navy technicians from the carrier strike group to fix the £85-million jet have been unsuccessful. Consequently, the UK has decided to dispatch a specialized team from Britain to address the issue.
A British High Commission spokesperson stated that the UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once the UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, ensuring minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft. A special tow vehicle and a 40-member team of British engineers and specialists are being flown in to fix the hydraulic snag.
The F-35B Lightning is a fifth-generation fighter jet known for its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, making it suitable for operating from smaller decks, austere bases, and ships. The British High Commission has expressed gratitude to the Indian authorities and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support in ensuring safety and security precautions. The spokesperson added that the aircraft will return to active service once repairs and safety checks have been completed.
The incident has garnered attention due to the F-35B's status as one of the most advanced fighters globally, valued at over $110 million. The grounding of the aircraft has also raised questions about the maintainability and reliability of the F-35. According to a 2024 report by the US Department of Defense (DoD), maintainability standards of the F-35s in the US fleet are below par.
The UK is working to repair the F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. The Indian Air Force has been providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft. The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group had conducted military drills with the Indian Navy earlier this month, highlighting the close defense cooperation between the two countries.