• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A British F-35B fighter jet that made an emergency landing in Kerala nearly two weeks ago remains grounded due to an "engineering issue", according to a statement from the British High Commission in Bengaluru. The fifth-generation aircraft, which is part of the UK's Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, has yet to resume its journey as technical problems have prevented its return to the skies.

The jet, built as part of the world's most expensive fighter programme, was returning to its base after joint maritime drills with the Indian Navy when adverse weather conditions forced it to divert to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

“A UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely. The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which precluded its return to the Carrier,” the High Commission stated.

Following the emergency landing, engineers from the British carrier conducted an initial assessment. However, due to the complexity of the issue, a specialised engineering team from the UK was called in to carry out repairs. “Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK based engineering team was needed. At this time, we do not have a forecast for the aircraft being repaired,” the statement added.

ALSO READ: Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 LIVE Updates: India's First Astronaut Lifts Off For Historic Trip To ISS

To minimise disruptions to airport operations, the jet will be moved to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility hangar once the required equipment and personnel arrive.

Earlier, sources told NDTV that although the aircraft had landed without incident, it soon developed technical issues that rendered it non-operational. Despite Air India offering hangar space, the Royal Navy declined, reportedly due to concerns over safeguarding "protected technologies".

ALSO READ: Maharashtra Power Tariff Cut: 10% Reduction This Year, 26% Over Five Years For Domestic, Industrial And Commercial Users

Throughout the ordeal, UK authorities have maintained close coordination with their Indian counterparts. “The safe landing, logistics, and continued security support provided by India reflect the close coordination and strengthening defence relationship between our two nations,” the High Commission noted.

There is currently no estimated timeline for when the F-35B will be ready to fly again.