Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: After two weeks of hesitation, the UK has finally accepted India’s offer to move the stranded British F-35B stealth fighter jet to a hangar at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The advanced fighter had made an emergency landing in Kerala on June 14 after developing a technical snag following a joint exercise with the Indian Navy.
Safety And Secrecy Concerns Delayed Shift
Earlier, the British Navy had declined Air India’s offer to park the aircraft in its hangar, citing concerns about the sensitive stealth technology onboard. The F-35B, the world’s most advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin, carries cutting-edge radar-evading features that the Royal Navy wanted to keep shielded from unnecessary exposure.
Engineering Teams To Arrive Soon
According to a UK High Commission statement, the aircraft will be shifted to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility once British engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment. This will ensure minimal disruption to other aircraft operations at the airport. The aircraft will be repaired and undergo safety checks before returning to active service aboard the Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group deployed in the Indo-Pacific.
Joint Coordination With Indian Authorities
British officials thanked the Indian government, Air Force, Navy, and Thiruvananthapuram airport authorities for their cooperation during the unplanned stopover. They confirmed that ground teams have worked closely with Indian agencies to ensure the jet’s security. Once repairs are complete, the F-35B will resume operations, maintaining the UK’s Indo-Pacific commitments.
