New Delhi: The UK government on Friday confirmed that the F-35B stealth fighter jet of the Royal Navy, grounded at Kerala’s Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14, will soon be moved to a local maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility for necessary repairs.
The £85-million aircraft, part of the carrier strike group supporting HMS Prince of Wales, had made an emergency landing after reporting low fuel levels during adverse weather conditions that prevented it from returning to the carrier stationed 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast.
Subsequently, the jet developed a hydraulic failure, rendering it incapable of taking off. Despite repeated repair efforts by Royal Navy technicians, the aircraft remains grounded on a VIP-designated bay, under the watch of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
A British High Commission spokesperson said:
“The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the maintenance repair and overhaul facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft.”
The official added that the jet will return to service once all repairs and safety checks are completed:
“Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram international airport for their continued support.”
People familiar with the situation declined to share details on technical issues or UK-India diplomatic communications regarding the aircraft.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) facilitated the safe emergency landing and extended refuelling and logistical support to the Royal Navy’s stranded aircraft.