F-35B is an American-made supersonic stealth fighter jet of the fifth generation and the most advanced stealth fighter in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin.
The British F-35B fighter jet, stuck in Kerala for two weeks after it made an emergency landing, will be moved to the hangar of the airport once “engineering teams from the UK arrive with specialist equipment.”
Earlier, sources told NDTV that the British Navy had requested the aircraft not be moved to the hangar as they may not want others to take a closer look at the “protected technologies” of the fighter jet.F-35B is an American-made supersonic stealth fighter jet of the fifth generation and the most advanced stealth fighter in the world, developed by Lockheed Martin. The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) is the most expensive fighter jet programme in history.
Read more: UK Navy Declines Air India’s Hangar Space Offer To Park Grounded F-35B: Sources
The British High Commission spokesperson said, “A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport.”
“The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft,” they added.Earlier, Air India had offered a parking space in the hangar of the Thiruvananthapuram airport, but sources told NDTV that the British Navy had declined the offer.
The UK High Commission in Bengaluru responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status and said, “A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission said.”
The fighter jet is part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific. The F-35B was returning to its base after completing a joint maritime exercise with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing on June 14.
The authorities at the airport expected the aircraft to take off shortly after refuelling when it reported low fuel levels, but the technical snag extended, forcing the potent fighter jet to stay at the airport.
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