An F-35B stealth fighter jet from the British Royal Navy is currently stuck at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, following an emergency landing caused by adverse weather conditions and low fuel. This incident occurred on June 14, and the jet has been situated on the tarmac for more than ten days, specifically at bay 4 of the airport.
The F-35B, valued at £80 million and part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was conducting military exercises with the Indian Navy when it faced difficulties around 100 nautical miles offshore. After the pilot issued a distress signal, emergency protocols were activated at the airport. Although a maintenance team arrived from the HMS Prince of Wales to address the aircraft's issues, they were unable to fix the hydraulic system malfunction. Consequently, a more extensive technical team from the UK is anticipated to travel to India to provide further support.
Due to the sensitive nature of the F-35's advanced systems, the Royal Navy reportedly declined an offer to relocate the jet to a hangar. The ongoing presence of the jet has attracted the attention of visitors at the airport amid speculations about its condition. The F-35 represents a breakthrough in military technology, integrating radar-evading stealth capabilities with exceptional speed, capable of reaching 1,200 mph. Additionally, there are plans for the UK to procure at least 12 more F-35 stealth jets that are capable of carrying nuclear warheads, as highlighted by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during a NATO summit.
5 Comments
Loubianka
It's good that they have an experienced team bringing over a more specific repair technician. It shows they are taking this seriously.
BuggaBoom
Military exercises are important. It's a good sign of ongoing UK/India relations.
Manolo Noriega
Considering the complexity of the F-35, it's understandable that repairs will take time. Technology is difficult.
Fuerza
It's likely they're trying to protect this asset against the possible risks of exposure while the problem is being corrected.
Leonardo
Seriously? An £80 million jet just chilling on the tarmac for days? That's obscene waste of taxpayer money!