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The Print
07-07-2025
- General
- The Print
Repairs begin on British Navy's stranded F-35B fighter in Kerala after 24-day wait
'A team of UK engineers has arrived in India to commence repairs on the UK F35B aircraft,' British High Commission's defence adviser Commodore Chris Saunders said Monday in a post on X. '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 team was flown in on a Royal Air Force (RAF) A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to carry out the repair works. New Delhi: Over three weeks after a hydraulic snag grounded the UK's F-35B stealth fighter, a British engineering team began work on the jet that is now towed to a designated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hangar in Thiruvananthapuram airport. The team of around 25 technical experts had arrived over the weekend and the engineers will now assess whether the F-35B can be repaired on site or if it will need to be dismantled and transported back to the UK. The British High Commission also released a statement Sunday, confirming the deployment of a UK engineering team to the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport 'to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion.' 'The UK has accepted India's offer to use the MRO facility at the airport and is working with relevant authorities to finalise arrangements,' the statement added. 'In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process.' As reported earlier by ThePrint, the F-35B had been operating from HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy's aircraft carrier, which had recently concluded joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The aircraft was flying outside India's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) when it diverted to Thiruvananthapuram due to adverse weather and low fuel. It was detected and cleared to land by the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). Preliminary assessments have indicated that the stealth fighter may have experienced fuel starvation during its final approach, potentially damaging components crucial to its vertical landing system. More broadly, failures in the hydraulic system can severely impact the jet's control surfaces, landing gear, braking and, most importantly, its vertical lift capabilities. Notably, a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) within the US Department of Defense had flagged in 2024 that the F-35 programme's global sustainment challenges, pointing out that major component repairs, hydraulics included, took an average of 141 days. The delays were attributed to global supply chain bottlenecks, limited maintenance capacity, and shortages of spare parts in the report. (Edited by Tony Rai) Also Read: From Qatar to Bahrain, mapping US military presence in Middle East as US enters Israel-Iran conflict
India.com
06-07-2025
- General
- India.com
Dismantling a Beast: UK Wrestles with F-35B's Complexity on Foreign Soil in Kerala
UK's lethal F-35B fighter jet stranded in Kerala A British Royal Navy F-35B stealth fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14, 2025, is now set to be dismantled and flown back to the United Kingdom. The jet, grounded by an unresolved hydraulic failure, cannot be repaired locally due to its complex systems and the absence of F-35 maintenance infrastructure in India. A C-17 Globemaster III military aircraft will likely transport the disassembled jet to the UK for restoration. Why the Jet Must Be Moved Efforts to fix the jet's critical hydraulic system in India proved unsuccessful. The F-35B's advanced design includes classified technologies like radar-absorbing coatings, encrypted software, and AI-based combat systems—requiring tools and expertise available only at select certified locations. India does not operate the F-35, and no repair base exists in the region. Beyond technical hurdles, national security concerns make it risky to leave the jet parked at a civilian airport. The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, and its prolonged absence weakens the UK's operational readiness. Transporting it back is the only viable and secure option. UK Sends a Specialized Team On July 6, a Royal Air Force A400M Atlas brought in a 25–40 member team of engineers and Lockheed Martin-certified technicians to Thiruvananthapuram. The team brought specialized tools and a tow vehicle, starting with an inspection to assess whether repairs could be done on-site. Once confirmed unrepairable, the dismantling process began. Moving to a Safer Location Initially, the F-35B was parked in the open at Bay 4 of the airport under CISF security. The UK declined to move it to a hangar due to concerns over exposure of sensitive systems in a non-NATO country. However, with India's assurances and growing urgency, the jet was shifted to a secure Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility where the environment is controlled and access is tightly restricted. The Dismantling Process Removing the jet's wings, tail fins, and stabilizers is essential to fit it inside the C-17's cargo bay, which is 26 meters long but only about 4 meters wide. The F-35B has a wingspan of nearly 10.7 meters, making disassembly the only option. This process is far from simple. Every screw, bolt, and panel is security-coded and logged to prevent tampering or unauthorized access. Only Lockheed Martin-trained engineers are allowed to perform these tasks. The dismantled components are carefully packed to avoid damage to the stealth coatings or internal systems. The jet's fuselage is then compacted and prepared for loading as a single unit, taking care to protect the aircraft's sensitive sensors and onboard electronics. Airlift to the UK Once dismantled, the aircraft will be loaded onto a Royal Air Force C-17 Globemaster III—one of the few transport aircraft capable of handling such a load. Technicians will supervise the process to ensure that the jet's frame and sensitive systems remain intact. The aircraft will likely be flown to RAF Marham in the UK, where full-scale repair facilities for the F-35 are located. Once there, it will be reassembled and thoroughly tested before rejoining active service aboard HMS Prince of Wales . Security and Diplomatic Coordination Throughout the dismantling and transport operation, UK Royal Air Force personnel and naval officers are maintaining strict security. They are working in coordination with Indian CISF forces to prevent any technology leaks or unauthorized access. The UK government has also committed to settling all dues, including parking and hangar charges, with Indian authorities. The diplomatic coordination between the two nations has been smooth, despite early hesitation regarding the hangar shift. Challenges Faced The operation has not been without complications: Security Sensitivities : Concerns over espionage led to initial delays in moving the aircraft to a hangar. : Concerns over espionage led to initial delays in moving the aircraft to a hangar. Weather Conditions : Exposure to Kerala's heavy monsoon rains added further urgency and risk to the already delicate dismantling process. : Exposure to Kerala's heavy monsoon rains added further urgency and risk to the already delicate dismantling process. Public Curiosity: The jet's unexpected stay captured widespread attention, sparking social media memes and even a cheeky post from Kerala Tourism. Past Examples This is not the first time an F-35 has had to be dismantled. In 2019, the US Air Force removed the wings of an F-35A for transport from Florida to Utah. Similarly, in 2022, South Korea transported a belly-landed F-35A by road after removing its wings. These precedents show that such operations are technically feasible and already tested. Why On-Site Repairs Weren't Possible The hydraulic failure affecting this particular jet requires diagnostic equipment, spares, and expertise not available in India. As India doesn't operate any F-35s, it lacks the maintenance infrastructure needed for even minor repairs. Returning the jet to the UK is the only way to ensure it is properly restored and returned to duty. Conclusion The mission to dismantle and fly back the UK's F-35B from India is more than just a technical exercise—it is a symbol of careful international coordination, the importance of protecting advanced defense technologies, and the logistical precision required to handle one of the world's most advanced fighter jets. Once it takes to the skies again from British soil, the F-35B will carry with it a fascinating chapter from Kerala that blended diplomacy, engineering, and a touch of global intrigue. —— E.O.M ( Girish Linganna is an award-winning science communicator and a Defence, Aerospace & Geopolitical Analyst. He is the Managing Director of ADD Engineering Components India Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. Contact: girishlinganna@ )
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
UK deploys engineers to repair British Royal Navy aircraft stranded in Kerala
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): UK authorites have accepted the offer of space in a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet stranded in Thiruvananthapuram and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities, a British High Commission Spokesperson said on Sunday The statement further said that following the standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved after the arrival of UK engineers. 'A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion,' the statement said. 'The UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities. In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process,' the statement added. The High Commissioner thanked India for its support to the UK in this matter. 'The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams.' A team of around 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force arrived aboard an A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to inspect the F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of June 14, sources said. The visiting team will assess the condition of the stranded jet to determine whether it can be repaired locally or needs to be dismantled and transported back to the United Kingdom. Since its unscheduled landing nearly three weeks ago, the presence of the advanced stealth fighter has generated considerable public curiosity and turned into a quirky marketing trend in the state. The Kerala Tourism Department was the first to share an image of the aircraft on social media with a humorous caption, and this was quickly followed by similar posts from Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), the Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organisations. (ANI)
India Gazette
06-07-2025
- India Gazette
Kerala: UK team arrives to assess F-35 jet after emergency landing
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 6 (ANI): A team of around 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force is expected to land in Kerala on Sunday aboard an A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to inspect the F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of June 14, sources said. The visiting team will assess the condition of the stranded jet to determine whether it can be repaired locally or needs to be dismantled and transported back to the United Kingdom. Since its unscheduled landing nearly three weeks ago, the presence of the advanced stealth fighter has generated considerable public curiosity and turned into a quirky marketing trend in the state. The Kerala Tourism Department was the first to share an image of the aircraft on social media, accompanied by a humorous caption, and this was quickly followed by similar posts from Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), the Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organisations. The British Royal Navy's F-35B Lightning II fighter jet, valued at over $110 million, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, since June 14, 2025. The aircraft made an emergency landing due to low fuel and adverse weather conditions while operating from the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group in the Indo-Pacific region. The aircraft is being guarded round the clock by India's Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and British personnel. Inclement weather conditions prevented the aircraft from safely landing on the carrier, making the emergency landing at the airport necessary. 'A Royal Navy F-35B fighter recovered off an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 25. Operating from a UK Aircraft Carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, it was undertaking routine flying outside Indian ADIZ with Thiruvananthapuram earmarked as the emergency recovery airfield,' the Indian Air Force (IAF) said in a post on X. The IAF further stated, 'On having declared a diversion off an emergency, the F-35 B was detected and identified by the IAF's IACCS network and cleared for the recovery. IAF is providing all necessary support for the rectification and subsequent return of the aircraft.' Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales initially assessed the situation and determined that additional technical expertise and equipment from the UK were required. The aircraft will be moved to a maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at the airport once the specialist equipment and the UK-based engineering team arrive. (ANI)
New Indian Express
06-07-2025
- New Indian Express
UK team arrives in Kerala to assess F-35 jet after emergency landing
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A team of around 25 technical experts from the British Royal Air Force landed in Kerala on Sunday aboard an A400M Atlas military transport aircraft to inspect the F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of June 14, reported ANI. The visiting team will assess the condition of the stranded jet to determine whether it can be repaired locally or needs to be dismantled and transported back to the United Kingdom. F-35B British fighter jet was moved to the hangar from its grounded position. Since its unscheduled landing nearly three weeks ago, the presence of the advanced stealth fighter has generated considerable public curiosity and turned into a quirky marketing trend in the state. The Kerala Tourism Department was the first to share an image of the aircraft on social media, accompanied by a humorous caption, and this was quickly followed by similar posts from Milma (Kerala's dairy cooperative), the Kerala Police, the State AIDS Control Society, and several private organisations.
