Thiruvananthapuram, India— Repair operations are underway on a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, following an emergency landing nearly three weeks ago due to adverse weather during a sortie over the Indian Ocean. The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that a team of British engineers has arrived in India to carry out the repairs.
The advanced fifth-generation fighter, which operates from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, had to divert from its intended flight path on June 14 after encountering inclement weather. Unable to return to the carrier, it landed safely at the designated emergency recovery airfield in Thiruvananthapuram.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that the jet was detected and tracked by its Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), and clearance was given for the emergency landing. The IAF has since been providing logistical and technical support.
In a post on social media platform X, the IAF stated, “A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25… IAF is providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft.”
Initial repair attempts by engineers from HMS Prince of Wales were unsuccessful, with the jet reportedly suffering a hydraulic failure after refuelling. Subsequently, a 25-member technical team from the UK Royal Air Force was dispatched with specialised equipment aboard an RAF Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft.
The aircraft has now been moved into the Air India Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar, where round-the-clock repair work is being carried out. Personnel from India’s Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and British security teams are jointly guarding the jet.
In an official statement, the UK MoD said, “Repairs are underway on the aircraft, which has now been moved to the maintenance hangar. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities.”
The British High Commission also acknowledged India’s cooperation, stating, “We thank the Indian authorities for their continued support. The UK remains very grateful for the ongoing collaboration and assistance provided by Indian officials and airport teams.”
The Lockheed Martin-manufactured F-35B, known for its stealth and Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capabilities, has garnered significant public attention in Kerala, even sparking local marketing campaigns referencing the high-profile jet.
Should on-site repairs prove unfeasible, British defence officials have said the aircraft may be dismantled and airlifted back to the UK for full restoration.
[…] रूस की सेना लगभग 1,000 किलोमीटर लंबे युद्ध के मोर्चे पर कुछ स्थानों पर घुसपैठ करने की पुरजोर कोशिश कर रही है, जहां यूक्रेनी सेनाएं भी मौजूद हैं। […]