UK Naval Team to Arrive in Kerala for F-35B Fighter Inspection
A team of more than 30 personnel from the British Royal Navy is set to arrive shortly in Kerala, bringing spare parts to assess the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet that has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for over a week, confirmed sources on Saturday.
The fifth-generation fighter jet, which is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group currently stationed in the Indo-Pacific region, made an emergency landing on June 14 due to critically low fuel levels after conducting joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy.
Initially, it was anticipated that the jet would refuel and continue its mission; however, a subsequent technical issue has prevented its departure. A prior team, brought in via a Royal Navy helicopter with a replacement pilot, failed to resolve the issue despite several attempts.
Sources indicate that the new team will assess whether the aircraft requires relocation to a hangar for further diagnostics, although this decision remains pending. The Royal Navy previously declined Air India's offer for hangar space, purportedly due to concerns about revealing the aircraft's classified technology.
The F-35B is distinguished by its Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from aircraft carriers and short airstrips. Nonetheless, the prolonged grounding of the aircraft has drawn attention, with British defense officials reportedly perplexed by the complexity of the malfunction.
The precise travel arrangements for the arriving technical team are still being finalized, while the UK Navy maintains close coordination with Indian authorities throughout the repair process.
