Repaired UK Fighter Jet in Kerala Set to Fly Out on July 22

Speedy Summary

• The UK’s F-35B fighter jet, grounded at Thiruvananthapuram international airport since June 14, 2025, has been successfully repaired and moved out of the hangar.
• Maintenance work on the fifth-generation stealth aircraft lasted over two weeks, led by a 14-member expert team flown in from the UK on July 6.
• The aircraft encountered engineering issues with its auxiliary power unit during an emergency landing due to low fuel.Initial repair efforts failed.
• A C17 Globemaster aircraft is scheduled to retrieve the expert team and equipment on July 22, before the F-35B returns to its base in the UK.
• British authorities are liable for substantial parking fees estimated at ₹15,000-₹20,000 per day as June 14 and hangar usage fees billed by AI Engineering Services Ltd., which owns maintenance facilities used for repairs.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The temporary grounding of a cutting-edge fighter jet like the F-35B in India highlights both logistical challenges and opportunities for bilateral engagement between nations through aviation infrastructure support. While foreign military activity within Indian airports might potentially be rare and require tailored accommodations-such as specialized hangar services-the manner in which this issue was resolved demonstrates India’s growing capability in managing advanced global aerospace needs effectively. The hefty fees incurred by British authorities are likely seen as fair compensation for infrastructure use rather than burdensome bills but underscore how strategically positioned facilities like Thiruvananthapuram airport can draw value from such situations when managed well.

For India, hosting advanced machinery like an F-35 signals trustworthiness as a partner capable of situating emergencies constructively without geopolitical fallout beyond technical repairs themselves-a subtle but meaningful diplomatic achievement.

Read more: Source