UK to airlift stranded British F-35B fighter jet from Kerala on a C-17 Globemaster
Nineteen days after a British F-35B stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport and has remained stranded since then, the United Kingdom is now exploring the option of airlifting the jet aboard a C-17 Globemaster transport aircraft, media reports said.
If done, this will be a rare move for a fighter of its class.
The British High Commission in Bengaluru last week said the British F-35B fighter jet has 'engineering issues' that are preventing it from flying.
"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 statement said.
The fifth-generation combat aircraft, which belongs to the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group stationed in the Indo-Pacific, had made an emergency landing on June 14 while returning from joint maritime drills with the Indian Navy.
"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. To minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations, the aircraft will be moved to a space in the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility hangar once specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive," the Commission added.
The jet was given special clearance to land after it reported dangerously low fuel levels.
Though authorities initially expected it to take off soon after refuelling, a technical fault was detected that has since kept the aircraft grounded.
A Royal Navy helicopter later flew in a team of engineers and a replacement pilot, but repeated attempts to get the aircraft airborne were unsuccessful.
Earlier, Air India had offered hangar space to house the aircraft, but the Royal Navy declined.
The F-35B, designed for short take-offs and vertical landings, is known for operating from aircraft carriers and limited-length runways.
Yet despite its high-end design, the ongoing technical snag has left British officials baffled.
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