UK's F-35 Fighter Jet grounded in India: 40-member British technical team arrives for repairs

A high-powered technical team from the United Kingdom, comprising 40 aviation experts, is scheduled to arrive in India today in a final bid to resolve a technical malfunction on the British F-35 stealth fighter jet that has remained grounded in Kerala for the past 20 days.

Also Read:1 in 4 Indians deprived of quality life, says UN report

The state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, one of the most advanced in the world, made an unscheduled landing in Thiruvananthapuram following a joint Indo-British military exercise over the Indian Ocean. While the landing was prompted by fuel exhaustion, further technical complications prevented the jet from taking off again.

Since then, efforts have been underway to diagnose and fix the issue. The upcoming visit by the UK’s expert team is viewed as a last-ditch attempt to get the fighter airborne without having to dismantle and transport it back via airlift. Sources indicate that if the problem cannot be resolved on-site, critical components may be separated and flown back to the UK for full-scale repairs.

The F-35, developed by Lockheed Martin and operated by several NATO allies, is known for its stealth capabilities, advanced sensors, and cutting-edge avionics. Its unexpected halt on Indian soil has drawn significant attention from both defence and aviation circles.

India has provided all necessary logistical and security support during the jet’s stay, reinforcing the strong defence ties between the two nations.