It has been nearly two weeks the British F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram airport. Since then there has been no sign the American-made aircraft, from the world’s most expensive fighter jet programme – will take flight soon.
And now the British High Commission in Bengaluru has responded to a question from NDTV about the plane’s status, and also issued a statement on this subject.
The advanced fifth-generation fighter – part of the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed to the Indo-Pacific – was returning to its base after completing joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy when it made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram.
“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.
“Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK 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 Commission added.
Earlier sources had told NDTV that while the aircraft landed safely, it subsequently developed a technical issue that meant it could not leave. Engineers on board the British carrier conducted an initial assessment and then summoned a specialist team from England to carry out the repairs.
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Meanwhile, to avoid interference with regular airport operations, the jet will be relocated to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul, or MRO, facility hangar while repairs are carried out.
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Also, the Royal Navy had declined Air India’s offer to allocate hangar space to park the aircraft. Sources said it is highly likely that concerns over “protected technologies” may have delayed any decision on the Royal Navy’s part to take the F-35B inside a hangar.
The High Commission also noted the UK government has been working closely with its Indian counterpart, as well as Air Force, Navy, and airport officials, throughout this time.
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“The safe landing, logistics, and continued security support provided by India reflect the close coordination and strengthening defence relationship between our two nations.”
There is no timeline, as of now, for when the jet will take off.
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