U.K. F-35B fighter jet to be shifted to hangar facility of Thiruvananthapuram airport

The F-35B fighter jet of the U.K. Royal Air Force that remained grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since it made an emergency landing on the night of June 14 will be shifted to the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the airport.

According to a statement issued by the British High Commission spokesperson on Friday, the U.K. F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the airport after developing an engineering issue.

The U.K. has now accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the MRO facility. The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once the U.K. engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircrafts.

Ground team

“The aircraft will return to active service once the repairs and safety checks have been completed. Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure that safety and security precautions are observed,” the spokesperson said while thanking the Indian authorities and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their continued support.

The F-35B aircraft was unable to return to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier due to adverse weather conditions prevailing in the region on the night of June 14. The emergency landing of the combat jet due to adverse weather conditions had generated intense media interest and speculation. 

A decisive force multiplier, the multi-role combat aircraft is billed as the most advanced and connected fighter jet in the world. It is also a capable stealth aircraft that can fly undetected through contested airspace.