UK tech team in Kerala to examine grounded stealth jet

A technical team of the UK Royal Navy today landed at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala to examine the F-35B stealth fighter jet that had made an emergency landing in the southern state on Saturday night.

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The UK team came on board a helicopter and is expected to examine all parameters of the jet before it flies back to its aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales. The carrier and it's accompanying strike group is on an international deployment and is at present near Indian waters.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has stationed armed guards to secure the fighter jet. The CISF posted on X" “Accredited for excellence in aviation security, CISF continues to uphold a prompt, proactive approach to emergency — protecting national interests and global trust”.

On Saturday, the F-35B jet was running low on fuel over the Arabian Sea and rough weather led the pilot to seek a diversion on Saturday. It had been launched from deck of the UK carrier. However, the jet encountered adverse weather near the aircraft carrier and couldn’t land back on deck.

Indian Air Force Spokesperson in New Delhi on Sunday said it was normal occurrence that the F-35B pilot sought a diversion. “The IAF was fully aware and facilitated the aircraft for flight safety reasons. All assistance being given, and the IAF is coordinating with all agencies,” the spokesperson said.

The UK Carrier Strike Group led by HMS Prince of Wales commenced its eight month deployment and is headed to the Indo-Pacific. Besides the F-35B fighter jets, uncrewed aerial vehicles, helicopters, anti-submarine frigates and an Astute-Class nuclear-powered attack submarine, are part of the UK deployment.