Grounded UK F-35B stealth jet to be shifted to Kerala airport’s MRO hub for repairs

Nearly a fortnight after a British F-35B ‘Lightning’ stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the United Kingdom has confirmed that the aircraft will be moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for repairs.

The advanced fifth-generation fighter, which had been operating from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, developed an engineering issue mid-flight and was forced to land on June 14. Since then, it has remained grounded on the tarmac.

A spokesperson for the British High Commission said, “The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment. This will ensure minimal disruption to the maintenance schedules of other aircraft.”

The spokesperson added that the aircraft would return to operational status after undergoing necessary repairs and safety checks. “Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security protocols are strictly observed. We thank Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued cooperation,” the statement said.

The F-35B, manufactured by US defense giant Lockheed Martin and valued at over $110 million, is one of the most sophisticated jets in the world. Designed for short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL), the aircraft was on a routine sortie outside Indian airspace when it encountered adverse weather and was unable to return to its carrier.

Initial repair efforts by Royal Navy technicians from the UK Carrier Strike Group reportedly failed, prompting the decision to bring in a dedicated engineering team.

The aircraft’s emergency recovery was in line with pre-designated protocols, as Thiruvananthapuram had been identified as an emergency diversion airfield for such operations.

The HMS Prince of Wales and its escort, HMS Richmond, had been in Indian waters as part of a bilateral Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the North Arabian Sea, reflecting growing defense cooperation between India and the UK.