British F-35B Relocated to Thiruvananthapuram Hangar for Repairs After Emergency Landing
After being stranded for 22 days, the British Royal Navy's F-35B stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing in Kerala, has been transferred to a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. This development follows the arrival of British and American engineers tasked with evaluating the jet's condition and exploring repair options.
Also Read: British Expert Team Arrives in Kerala to Repair Grounded F-35B Fighter Jet
The F-35B, costing over $110 million and part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was forced to land on June 14 due to severe weather conditions and a hydraulic issue. Guided safely to the runway by India's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) at approximately 9:30 pm, the aircraft encountered a critical hydraulic system fault during post-landing checks, rendering it unable to fly.
A contingent of 25 engineers from the British Royal Air Force arrived on Sunday via an RAF Airbus A400M Atlas to assess the situation. The specialists will decide if repairs can be conducted locally or if the jet needs to be partially dismantled and transported back to the UK. Moving the jet to a hangar is seen as a crucial step in speeding up the inspection and repair efforts, especially since the aircraft had been exposed to Kerala's monsoon weather while parked in an open area.
Initial fixes attempted by a three-member Royal Navy team were unsuccessful, prompting the UK to dispatch a larger group, including Lockheed Martin-trained technicians. The deployment of the team was delayed, which extended the aircraft's stay in India.
The British High Commission has expressed gratitude for the support extended by Indian authorities. A spokesperson stated, "The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams."
A six-member team from the HMS Prince of Wales is maintaining security for the aircraft with the help of CISF personnel. Discussions between Indian authorities and British engineers are ongoing to determine the next steps.
The F-35B is the only version of the fifth-generation stealth fighter capable of short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), allowing it to operate from aircraft carriers and airbases with short runways. The jet was on a routine mission in the Indo-Pacific region when it faced severe weather and low fuel, necessitating the emergency landing.
The presence of the fighter jet has drawn public interest and viral attention online, including various posts and memes. Despite the intrigue, the jet's technical problems underscore the operational challenges of advanced military aviation in unpredictable conditions. Now that the aircraft is housed and undergoing expert evaluation, more clarity on its condition is anticipated in the coming days.
