The F-35B was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram airport in June following an emergency.
The British F-35B fighter jet, grounded since June 14 at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to a hydraulic issue, is set to depart on Tuesday, sources told Times Now. The British Royal Navy jet made an emergency landing at the international airport over a month ago and has been parked there since.
Sources have revealed that a UK technical team successfully repaired the aircraft after a week of work. A specialised team of technicians, including engineers from the jet’s manufacturing company, was flown in from the UK to resolve the issue.
According to airport sources, the repair works of the jet, part of the UK’s most advanced stealth fleet, were completed. “It is being brought out of the hangar now. The jet will be brought to our bay, and it will fly back on Tuesday,” a source said. The exact time of its return is yet to be available, he said.
Timeline of events
Known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, the jet has remained grounded at the international airport in Thiruvananthapuram since June 14 after it developed a technical snag. The F-35B made the landing in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 when it was undertaking a routine flight outside the Indian air defence identification zone. Thiruvananthapuram was designated as the emergency recovery airfield, a location where aircraft can land in the event of an in-flight emergency.
The British fighter jet was authorised by Indian authorities to land after it had been diverted due to an emergency. It had been kept at the hangar of Air India since July 6.
Earlier this month, a team of technical experts on board the British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at the airport to assess the fighter jet.
A British High Commission spokesperson said, “A UK engineering team has deployed to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion.”
“The UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, and are in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities,” the staffer added.
“In line with standard procedure, the aircraft will be moved following the arrival of UK engineers, who are carrying specialist equipment necessary for the movement and repair process. The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams,” the spokesperson further said.
It was said the aircraft could not return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Later, the aircraft encountered some engineering issues, and its stay got extended.
The British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet is worth $110 million.
(With PTI inputs)
