UK F-35B Fighter Jet in Kerala: Engineering Team Arrives for Repairs
UK Engineering Team Arrives for F-35B Repairs
New Delhi: Nearly three weeks after a UK F-35B Lightning II fighter jet made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, a team of engineers from the UK has arrived in India to facilitate its repair.
Sources indicate that over a dozen technicians are involved in this essential repair operation.
A spokesperson from the British High Commission confirmed, "A UK engineering team has been deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to evaluate and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed due to an emergency diversion."
"The UK has accepted an offer for space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and is currently in talks to finalize arrangements with the relevant authorities. Following the arrival of the UK engineers, who are equipped with specialized tools for the movement and repair of the aircraft, it will be relocated. The UK appreciates the ongoing support and collaboration from Indian authorities and airport teams," the spokesperson added.
Since its unexpected landing, the aircraft has remained at the airport, with initial repair attempts yielding minimal results. Sources familiar with the situation noted that several efforts to restore the aircraft on-site were hindered by the need for specialized systems and proprietary tools.
It is important to mention that the jet, part of the UK's Carrier Strike Group aboard HMS Prince of Wales, was forced to land on June 14 after reportedly running low on fuel during a mission over the Indian Ocean.
The incident gained significant media attention after multiple repair attempts failed to produce positive results.
With the arrival of the UK technical team and their specialized equipment, progress is anticipated.
However, British officials have stated that they will not disclose further operational details.
"We will not be providing ongoing updates regarding timelines or specifics of repair and maintenance issues or on private discussions with the Government of India," the statement concluded.