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British F-35B Jet Stranded in Kerala Awaits UK Repair Team

Hydraulic failure has kept it grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport pending a larger UK repair mission.

A CISF personnel stand guard near the British F-35 fighter jet that made an emergency landing after running low on fuel at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night.
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Overview

  • The F-35B made an emergency landing on June 14 after reporting low fuel during exercises from HMS Prince of Wales and was refuelled by the Indian Air Force.
  • Technicians found a hydraulic system failure after landing that has prevented the jet from taking off despite initial repair efforts.
  • India offered hangar space and temporary shelter to protect the jet from monsoon rains, but the Royal Navy declined over concerns about securing its advanced technology.
  • A reinforced UK maintenance team is en route with specialised spares and equipment to carry out on-site repairs at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
  • If field repairs do not succeed, officials say the fighter may be loaded onto a military transport aircraft for return to the UK.