The UK’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced on Monday that “a team of engineers” has finally arrived in India to begin repairs on the Lockheed Martin F-35B that has been stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. 

The fifth-generation stealth fighter, designated the F-35 Lightning in UK service, had been embarked on the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, and was taking part in joint exercises when it was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport three weeks ago.

The F-35B, the short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter, was only moved this past weekend to a hangar after being left in a VIP parking area. This has resulted in the aircraft being exposed to the elements, including the summer monsoons, but it may also require the UK’s MoD to cover any parking fees.

As previously reported, due to security concerns, the Royal Navy opted to keep the fighter in the open, where it would be better monitored. Six crew members transported........

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