UK F-35B Grounded in Thiruvananthapuram for Repairs After Technical Snag

A UK F-35B aircraft is currently awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after experiencing an engineering issue, a British High Commission spokesperson confirmed.

"A UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility at the airport. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft," the spokesperson said.

The aircraft is expected to return to active service after the necessary repairs and safety checks are completed. In a statement, the British High Commission added, "Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed. We thank the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support."

British authorities on Thursday expressed gratitude to India following the emergency landing of the British F-35B fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram airport nearly a fortnight ago. "We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport as quickly as possible. We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support," the spokesperson said.

The UK aircraft was unable to return to UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely.

While on the ground, the aircraft developed an engineering issue that precluded its return to the Carrier. Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and determined that assistance from a UK-based engineering team was required.