British engineers dispatched to Kerala to mend stranded British Royal Navy aircraft
The UK's F-35B fighter jet, which made an unscheduled landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, on the night of June 14, is now being moved to a hangar for repairs. The aircraft, which was initially stranded on the tarmac due to a suspected hydraulic system fault, was unable to return to service despite initial attempts by Royal Navy engineers [1][2].
**Location for Repair**
The jet was towed to an Air India hangar at the airport for protection while repairs are underway [2]. Initially, offers from the Indian Air Force to use their Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities were declined due to concerns about exposing the jet's sensitive stealth technology [2].
**Parties Involved**
A team of around 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force arrived to inspect the F-35B fighter jet [1]. They are supported by specialists from the United States, forming a larger 40-member technical team [1][2]. The Indian Air Force and Air India offered assistance, including hangar space, which was initially declined but later utilized for the Air India hangar [1][2]. The British High Commission has been involved in organizing the repair efforts and has expressed gratitude for India's cooperation [1]. Discussions are ongoing between UK authorities and Indian authorities to finalise arrangements for the MRO facility.
The UK authorities have accepted an offer for a space in a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the F-35B fighter jet in Thiruvananthapuram, India [1]. The aircraft will be moved after the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process [1][2].
The presence of the advanced stealth fighter in Thiruvananthapuram has generated considerable public curiosity. Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organisations have shared posts about the F-35B jet on social media. Even Kerala Tourism Department shared an image of the aircraft on social media with a humorous caption, initiating a quirky marketing trend.
The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams in this matter. The British High Commissioner has thanked India for its support. The F-35B fighter jet is expected to undergo a thorough assessment to determine whether it can be repaired locally or needs to be dismantled and transported back to the United Kingdom.
The F-35B fighter jet, which requires a maintenance repairs and overhaul (MRO), will be moved to a designated MRO facility in Thiruvananthapuram, India, following the arrival of UK engineers with specialist equipment. Amidst the news of the jet's arrival, various local organizations, such as Milma, Kerala Police, and Kerala Tourism, have expressed their opinions on social media about the advanced stealth technology.
