UK's Stranded F-35B Jet To Be Dismantled, British Navy To Send Bigger Aircraft To Airlift: Sources
The UK's F-35B aircraft, which remains stranded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, cannot be repaired at the location, top government sources told CNN-News18, adding that the aircraft would be dismantled.
Sources also said the British Navy will now bring a bigger aircraft to shift the jet, and that they would pay all dues to India, including the parking and hangar charges.
The F-35B aircraft has been awaiting repairs after it experienced an engineering issue and made an emergency landing in Kerala on the night of June 14.
Last week, news agency ANI quoted an official as saying that the 'UK F-35B aircraft is awaiting repairs at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after developing an engineering issue. The UK has accepted an offer to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility at the airport."
'The aircraft will be moved to the hangar once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment, thereby ensuring there is minimal disruption to scheduled maintenance of other aircraft," he said.
In a statement, the British High Commission had said ground teams were closely working with the Indian authorities to ensure safety and security precautions are observed while the jet's necessary repairs and safety checks were being planned.
The British authorities had also expressed gratitude to India following the emergency landing of the jet.
The UK aircraft was unable to return to the UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. Prioritising safety, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely.
While on the ground, the aircraft developed an engineering issue that precluded its return to the Carrier.
Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the situation and determined that assistance from a UK-based engineering team was required.
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