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2d ago

UK Engineering Team Moves Stranded F-35B into Kerala MRO Hangar for Detailed Repair Assessment

The jet’s relocation into the airport’s MRO hangar initiates an on-site review to determine if local repairs can restore its flight capability

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After an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram, the UK’s F-35B faces a complex dismantling in Kerala. Wing removal is key to loading into a C-17 for return.

Overview

  • A 40-member UK engineering team arrived aboard an RAF A400M Atlas with specialist equipment to begin hands-on diagnostics of the grounded F-35B.
  • The $110 million stealth fighter was towed into Thiruvananthapuram International Airport’s Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility on July 6 for secure staging.
  • Technicians are focusing on a critical hydraulic system failure detected during pre-departure checks after the June 14 emergency landing.
  • Recovery scenarios under evaluation include full on-site restoration or partial dismantling and airlift via C-17 Globemaster if repairs prove unfeasible.
  • Indian Air Force, airport authorities and CISF personnel are supporting UK teams under bilateral defence cooperation, maintaining strict security protocols around the asset.