UK Sends Team to Kerala to Repair Grounded F‑35B Jet
A 25-member technical team from the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force (RAF) has arrived in Kerala to assess and potentially repair a British F‑35B stealth fighter jet that has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14. The aircraft, which belongs to the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, made an emergency landing after experiencing mechanical issues during a mission over the Arabian Sea.
F‑35B Emergency Landing in Kerala
The F‑35B was forced to divert to Kerala due to adverse weather conditions and a technical malfunction that included hydraulic failure. The pilot issued a Squawk 7700 emergency signal before successfully landing the jet on civilian tarmac. The aircraft has since been kept under tight security in a designated bay at the airport, guarded by Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Royal Navy personnel.
UK Technical Team Begins Assessment
The RAF team, arriving on a military A400M Atlas transport aircraft, includes engineering experts and defence technicians. Their primary objective is to inspect the hydraulic and fuel systems to determine whether the stealth jet can be made airworthy at the site itself or if it requires partial dismantling and airlift back to the UK. The jet is currently undergoing inspection at the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
Repair or Repatriation?
Officials familiar with the situation have outlined two possible outcomes. If repairs are successful, the F‑35B could undergo limited test flights from the Thiruvananthapuram airstrip before rejoining the UK’s naval fleet. However, if critical systems are too damaged to fix locally, the aircraft may be dismantled and shipped home using a strategic heavy-lift platform such as the C‑17 Globemaster.
Security and Strategic Significance
The incident has attracted wide attention due to the rare sight of an advanced fifth-generation combat aircraft on Indian soil, and the unique logistical challenges it presents. The presence of the F‑35B, normally stationed on British aircraft carriers operating in the Indo-Pacific region, underscores the Royal Navy’s extended presence and cooperation in the Indian Ocean.
Awaiting Final Decision
The assessment process is expected to take several days, during which Indian authorities are coordinating closely with the UK team. Depending on the outcome of the inspections, plans for airlift or restoration will be finalized. Equipment required for either operation is expected to arrive soon, including specialized hydraulic modules and wing-lock transport rigs.
