Repair Work Begins on Stranded British F-35 Fighter Jet in Thiruvananthapuram
A British F-35 fighter jet, which has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for 22 days following an emergency landing, has begun its repair process. A team of technical experts from the UK has arrived to assist in the repairs. The jet was diverted due to bad weather and low fuel while operating off the Kerala coast. The Indian Air Force played a crucial role in its safe landing. The article details the challenges faced during the repair and the timeline for the jet's return to flight.
| Jul 6, 2025, 18:10 IST
Repair Operations Commence for F-35 Fighter Jet
After being stranded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport for 22 days following an emergency landing, the British Royal Air Force's advanced F-35 fighter jet has finally entered the repair phase. A team of technical experts from the UK arrived at the airport today.
According to reports from a news agency, this team arrived on an Airbus A400M Atlas aircraft, which has since returned to the UK. Footage shows the F-35 being moved from its parking spot to a hangar, while another clip captures the Airbus A400M Atlas departing.
Read More: Gopal Khemka Murder Case: Chirag Paswan Questions Nitish Government's Law and Order
Defense sources indicate that the F-35 has been relocated to an Air India hangar at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Here, the UK Royal Air Force's technical team will conduct the necessary repairs and work towards preparing the jet for its return. It remains to be seen how long this complex repair process will take and when the advanced fighter jet will be ready to fly again.
The British Royal Air Force's F-35B fighter jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, has been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram Airport since last month. On June 14, while operating 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast, it had to divert to Thiruvananthapuram due to bad weather and low fuel. The Indian Air Force assisted in its safe landing and provided essential fuel and supplies.
Read More: Unity of Thackeray Brothers on Hindi in Maharashtra, Sanjay Raut Comments on CM Stalin's Different Stance
Malfunction Detected Before Takeoff
However, as the fighter jet was preparing to return to its ship, a pre-flight inspection revealed a malfunction in the hydraulic system. This issue was deemed serious, as it could directly impact the jet's ability to take off and land safely. A small team from the Royal Navy, consisting of three engineers, attempted to fix the problem but were unsuccessful due to its severity.
Jet Moved to Hangar, Repairs Underway
The jet was initially parked at Bay 4 of the airport under strict security from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Initially, the British Royal Navy declined Air India's proposal to move the jet to a hangar despite heavy monsoon rains in Kerala. However, they later agreed to relocate the jet, which is now in the Air India hangar where the expert team from the UK is working on its repairs.