UK’s Stranded F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram Airport to Be Dismantled and Airlifted, Say Officials

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM — The United Kingdom’s advanced F-35B fighter jet, which has remained grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since an emergency landing on June 14, will be dismantled and removed from the site, according to senior Indian government sources speaking to media

Due to the severity of the technical malfunction, the jet cannot be repaired on-site. British defence authorities have decided to airlift the aircraft using a larger transport aircraft that will arrive in the coming days. All logistical and operational expenses, including parking and hangar charges incurred in India, will be borne by the UK, sources confirmed.

The aircraft reportedly suffered a hydraulic system failure, which subsequently extended to its starting mechanism, rendering the jet inoperable. The specific components slated for dismantling have not been disclosed, but a specialised rectification team from the UK is being deployed to execute the operation.

The aircraft had initially diverted from its original course to HMS Prince of Wales, the UK’s aircraft carrier, after encountering adverse weather. As a precautionary measure, it made a safe emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

Upon landing, the F-35B encountered further engineering issues, preventing its return to the carrier. Ground engineers from HMS Prince of Wales conducted a preliminary assessment and concluded that the jet required intervention from a dedicated UK-based technical team equipped with specialist tools.

According to a statement released by the British High Commission, ground crews are working in close coordination with Indian authorities to ensure all safety protocols and aviation security measures are upheld during the aircraft’s removal and repair planning.

“The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport. It will be transferred to the hangar upon the arrival of the UK engineering team,” an official was quoted as saying by ANI last week. He added that the procedure is being handled in a way that minimises disruption to other flight operations.

British authorities have also expressed their gratitude to the Government of India for its swift cooperation and support following the emergency landing of one of the Royal Navy’s most advanced fighter jets.