British Navy declines India's offer to move F-35B fighter jet inside hangar
PTC News Desk: The British Navy's crown jewel F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet which has been grounded in the open in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram will not be moved to get pared inside the hangar, according to the reports.
The sources have said that the British Navy has declined India's offer to move the fighter jet which has been parked for last six days and allocate hangar space to park the aircraft, away from the elements.
The sources further said that the American-origin F-35B is one of the most expensive fighter jets in terms of programme cost which is packed with the most advanced technologies could be a possible reason for Britain's refusal to move fighter jet inside the hangar.
The British F-35B made an unprecedented landing in Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. The jet, regarded as one of the most advanced in the world, has become a striking and unusual sight at the airport, attracting attention from aviation enthusiasts and curious onlookers.
The aircraft belongs to the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group, which is currently operating in the Indo-Pacific region and recently conducted joint naval exercises with the Indian Navy.
Since the F-35B landed in Kerala, British aviation engineers have been working intensively to resolve a technical fault in its hydraulic system.
However, the issue has yet to be fixed, preventing the fighter jet from returning to its carrier. It remains stationed at the airport under tight security.
The F-35B initially contacted Thiruvananthapuram airport for landing clearance due to low fuel. The following day, the Indian Air Force confirmed it was an emergency landing and assured full logistical support.
The pilot and Royal Navy technical crew are currently stationed at the airport, continuing efforts to repair the aircraft.
- PTC NEWS
