British Engineers Join Repair Efforts for Grounded F-35B Fighter Jet in Kerala
The British Royal Air Force's Airbus A400M Atlas touched down at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Sunday, carrying a specialized team of engineers from both the United Kingdom and the United States. This team arrived to address and repair the grounded F-35B fighter jet, which has been stationed at the airport since June 14.
Comprising approximately 20 personnel, the team includes engineers from Lockheed Martin. Their mission is to conduct on-site inspections and evaluate options for returning the aircraft to operational status. The F-35B, an advanced stealth fighter, was compelled to make an emergency landing last month due to technical difficulties and inclement weather conditions over the Indian Ocean.
The engineers plan to initially attempt repairs with the aircraft located in bay number four of the domestic terminal. Should this prove ineffective, the team may consider towing the jet to a hangar for a more controlled repair environment. As a last resort, dismantling parts of the aircraft for airlifting to the UK or US for further examination and repair remains an option. A decision on the course of action will be made following a thorough inspection.
Since the emergency landing, the F-35B has attracted significant public and media attention. Kerala Tourism humorously remarked on social media, “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave,” a post that quickly gained viral status and sparked a wave of memes online.
Security measures around the aircraft are stringent, with CISF personnel maintaining a continuous presence to safeguard the site.
This incident marks the first known emergency landing of an F-35B in India. The subsequent repair operation is being closely monitored as a complex logistical and technical undertaking that involves international cooperation and sophisticated military aviation technology.
