A team of around 20 engineers from the UK and the US, including specialists from Lockheed Martin, is set to arrive in Kerala on Sunday to begin repair operations on a grounded F‑35B fighter jet. The aircraft, part of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group, made an emergency landing near Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and was found to have a hydraulic system fault that has kept it grounded since June 14.

The engineers will spend several days evaluating repair options, with field fixes unable to resolve the issue so far . If a direct fix isn’t possible, the jet may be partially dismantled - including wing removal - and loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster for transport back to the UK .

Both Indian Air Force and CISF personnel are supporting the operation, safeguarding the stealth aircraft and preserving its sensitive technology. Meanwhile, the Kerala tourism department has lightened the mood with a playful “review” of the jet’s extended airport stay.

This marks the first time a UK F‑35B has been grounded abroad, underscoring the logistical challenges of operating cutting-edge military equipment on deployment