U.K. plans to repair grounded F-35B in Kerala itself

The Hindu

6 hours ago

Eleven days after the UK F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the British authorities on Wednesday officially responded, stating that the advanced fifth-generation jet would be repaired in Kerala. According to a statement issued by the British High Commission spokesperson, 'We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian authorities for their continued support.'
According to them, the U.K. F-35B aircraft was unable to return to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the region on the night of June 14. Prioritising safety, the aircraft was then diverted to the Thiruvananthapuram airport, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the aircraft carrier.
Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft, and it was decided that the support of a U.K.-based engineering team was needed. 'At this time, we do not have a forecast for the aircraft being repaired. To minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations, the aircraft will be moved to a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility hangar once specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive,' the British authorities said.
'Throughout this diversion incident, we have worked closely with all Indian authorities, including the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, and are extremely grateful for their support. The safe landing, logistics and continuing security and organisational support provided by India in responding to this situation further demonstrate the close coordination and deepening relationship that exist between the armed forces of the U.K. and India,' they said.
The advanced combat jet of the Royal Air Force of the U.K. landed at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 due to adverse weather conditions, which has generated intense media interest and speculation. Though various agencies had been maintaining that the aircraft was running on low fuel, which forced the pilot to make a distress call, the British authorities didn't mention anything about the low fuel onboard the aircraft while making an emergency landing.
The F-35 fighter jet redefines air dominance, providing an unrivalled advantage to the U.S. and its allies. A decisive force multiplier, the multi-role combat aircraft is billed as the most advanced and connected fighter jet. It is also a capable stealth aircraft that can fly undetected through contested airspace.