After assistance from the Indian Air Force and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the British Royal Navy's F-35B fighter jet finally departed for its base on Tuesday, 37 days later. On June 14, due to inclement weather and low fuel, this jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram. Subsequently, technical issues kept it grounded.
What Happened?
The F-35B, the world's most advanced stealth jet, was participating in a joint military exercise off India's Kerala coast with the HMS Prince of Wales (a British aircraft carrier). Due to bad weather, the jet couldn't return to its vessel.
The Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) ensured its safe landing at Thiruvananthapuram. However, post-landing inspection revealed issues with its hydraulic system and Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), complicating its ability to take off.
The Repair Saga
Initially, three engineers from HMS Prince of Wales attempted repairs, but the problem was complex. On July 6, a team of 25 engineers arrived from the UK on an RAF A400M Atlas aircraft with specialized equipment. The aircraft was taken to Air India's Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hangar.
The hangar was completely sealed to maintain the confidentiality of the F-35's stealth technology. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) provided external security, while British military personnel guarded the hangar. After 37 days of meticulous work, the engineers rectified the hydraulic system and APU. On Tuesday, the aircraft completed a test flight and set off towards its carrier strike group.
Statement from the British High Commission Spokesperson
The British F-35B aircraft, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14, has now departed. The UK engineering team, deployed since July 6, completed repairs and security checks, enabling the aircraft to return to service. We are immensely grateful to the Indian authorities and the airport teams for their cooperation. We are eager to further strengthen our defense partnership with India.
