**US Technicians Start F-35B Rescue After Fighter Jet Relocated to Hangar in Kerala**

In a dramatic turn of events, a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, valued at over $100 million, has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala for nearly two weeks. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on June 14, 2025, due to severe weather and critically low fuel during a routine Indo-Pacific patrol, leaving the jet stranded 100 nautical miles from its carrier, HMS Prince of Wales.

Initially, a small technical team attempted on-site repairs but was thwarted by the F-35B’s complex systems, requiring specialized diagnostic tools that were not available locally. In a significant development, British officials have now relocated the aircraft to a secure hangar at the airport, following extensive negotiations with Indian authorities to ensure the safety of its sensitive technology. This move aims to minimize disruption to other aircraft operations at the busy airport.

To expedite the repair process, specialized towing equipment is being flown in from the UK, and a full engineering team, including American technicians, is set to assess the fighter for potential fixes. If ground repairs fail, plans are in motion to airlift the jet back to the UK using a C-17 Globemaster, capable of handling its substantial weight

The prolonged presence of the F-35B has not only raised technical challenges but has also sparked logistical and financial implications. The airport authority has charged approximately $350 per day in parking fees, accumulating over $3,700 in just 12 days. While this may seem minor for the UK’s defense budget, the total costs, including ground handling and specialized support, are expected to escalate

As the situation unfolds, this incident serves as a critical case study in military coordination and international cooperation. A UK defense spokesperson expressed gratitude for the ongoing collaboration with Indian authorities, emphasizing the importance of safety and security measures. The F-35B remains a potent symbol of advanced technology, now caught in the complexities of global military operations.