Weeks after an emergency landing in India, UK engineers have begun repairing a stranded F-35B stealth jet, which has become an unexpected tourist attraction amid the monsoons and rising logistical challenges.
The UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on Monday that “a team of engineers” has finally arrived in India to begin repairs on the Lockheed Martin F-35B that has been stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
The fifth-generation stealth fighter, designated the F-35 Lightning in UK service, had been embarked on the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, and was taking part in joint exercises when it was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport three weeks ago.
The F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, was only moved this past weekend to a hangar after being left in a VIP parking area. This has resulted in the aircraft being exposed to the elements, including the summer monsoons, but it may also require the UK’s MoD to cover any parking fees.
As previously reported, due to security concerns, the Royal Navy opted to keep the fighter in the open, where it would be better monitored. Six crew members transported from the carrier, as well as the pilot, have stayed with the aircraft around the clock.
That irony has resulted in it becoming a local tourist attraction of sorts, although one that could be observed and appreciated from a distance!
The Kerala, India, tourist board has even shared a meme online, according to the UK’s Telegraph newspaper. The meme is part of an online ad campaign that reads, “F-35B: Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Highly Recommend.”
What Happened to the F-35 While in Kerala?
After more than two weeks in the open, the aircraft was finally moved to a hangar, and according to the MoD, repairs could begin immediately.
“UPDATE: A team of UK engineers has arrived in India to commence repairs on the UK F-35B aircraft. Repairs are underway on the aircraft, which has now been moved to the maintenance hangar. We are grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities,” @UKDefenceIndia explained in a post on social media on Monday.
The team consisted of at least two dozen officials, while Lockheed Martin has also sent experts to ensure that the aircraft can be repaired. The team, which arrived aboard a Royal Air Force (RAF) Airbus A400M Atlas, has begun to assess the aircraft and will determine whether the repairs can be addressed locally.
There has been growing speculation that the damage to a hydraulic system could be more serious than what can be addressed locally. It is unclear how much-specialized equipment was flown in, but the team is likely to explore all options to get the Lightning back in the sky.
If the problem can’t be addressed, then the only option will be to dismantle the aircraft. However, it won’t head home on the Atlas, as a larger aircraft would be required.
The RAF operates a fleet of eight C-17 Globemaster III aircraft, which is the only heavy-lift strategic transport large enough to carry the F-35.
However, even then, it would still require that the wings of the Lightning be removed to fit inside the Globemaster III. That could be a time-consuming process, one taking several days or even weeks.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a thirty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author [email protected].
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