British Navy Team To Reach Kerala To Inspect Stranded F-35B Jet: Reports
A team from the British Navy is set to arrive in Kerala to assess the F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet that has been stranded in Thiruvananthapuram for the past week, reported NDTV.
The state-of-the-art fifth-generation aircraft, part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific, had been returning to base after completing joint naval drills with the Indian Navy when it was forced to make an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Emergency clearance was granted for landing on 14 June after the fighter reported critically low fuel levels.
Initially, authorities anticipated a swift take-off following refuelling. However, a technical fault was soon identified, grounding the aircraft indefinitely.
A Royal Navy helicopter subsequently flew in a team of British engineers and a replacement pilot. Despite repeated efforts in the days that followed, the aircraft has failed to respond to take-off commands.
Sources said that a fresh team of over 30 personnel is due to arrive soon, although their travel arrangements are still being finalised. Following inspection, the team will decide whether or not to move the aircraft into a hangar.
Previously, the Royal Navy declined Air India's offer to house the fighter in a hangar. Sources suggest this reluctance may stem from concerns over "protected technologies", which could explain the delay in taking the jet indoors.
The F-35B is known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, enabling it to operate from aircraft carriers and limited runways.
Despite its advanced engineering, the unresolved issue has left British officials baffled.
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