UK Engineering Team Arrives in Kerala to Repair Stranded F-35 Jet; Aircraft Moved to MRO Facility

Thiruvananthapuram: A month after making an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to a technical fault, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning fighter jet was on Sunday moved to a designated Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility for inspection and repair.

An engineering team from the United Kingdom arrived at the airport to assess and initiate repairs on the advanced combat aircraft, airport sources confirmed.

“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,” a spokesperson for the British High Commission said in a statement. The spokesperson also confirmed that the UK has accepted an offer to use a space in the airport’s MRO facility and is currently in discussions with relevant Indian authorities to finalise the necessary arrangements.

“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.

Airport officials confirmed that the aircraft has already been relocated to the MRO zone. The British High Commission expressed gratitude to Indian authorities and airport staff for their continued support and cooperation throughout the process.

The F-35B Lightning, valued at over USD 110 million, is among the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter jets. It had made an emergency landing on June 14 and had remained grounded since, awaiting technical assistance.

Interestingly, the stranded jet also found an unexpected place in Kerala’s cultural imagination. The Kerala Tourism department used its image in a playful social media advertisement with the caption suggesting that “even the world’s most advanced fighter jet struggles to leave Kerala.” The post quickly went viral, earning wide appreciation for its wit and local flavour.

With the arrival of the UK engineering team, the long-awaited repair and recovery process is now officially underway.