Thiruvananthapuram: A British Royal Navy F-35 stealth fighter jet, which made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport nearly a month ago, is undergoing top-secret repairs under the watch of heavily armed British military personnel, with Indian security forces now kept at a distance.

The jet landed on June 14 following a technical failure during a joint Indo-British naval exercise over the Arabian Sea. Since then, it has been at the airport under strict foreign military control, with even CISF personnel (Central Industrial Security Force) excluded from the aircraft’s immediate perimeter during repairs.

Initially parked at Bay No. 4 for 22 days, the aircraft was recently shifted to Air India's Hangar 2. The hangar has been sealed off. The British authorities have taken over full operational and security control, citing the classified nature of the F-35's technology and systems.

ALSO READ: ‘Nokku kooli’ to ‘Vellanakalude Nadu’: Stranded British F-35 fighter jet in Kerala becomes meme gold

The F-35, known for its stealth, electronic warfare, and surveillance capabilities, is one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.

Specialist team flown in, Indian staff sidelined

A team of British and American aerospace engineers arrived in Thiruvananthapuram last Sunday, carrying custom equipment and diagnostic tools. The operation is being conducted under tight British military protection and no Indian technicians or security personnel are reportedly involved in the repair process.

Technical faults are still under review

Sources say the fighter jet experienced issues related to its hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit (APU). While repairs are ongoing, the expert team is also assessing the cause of the malfunction.

According to sources, the jet may be cleared for takeoff within a week, once all technical checks are completed.