British aviation team to land in Kerala to repair stranded F-35B fighter jet
Credit: PTI photo
Thiruvananthapuram: The UK F-35B aircraft, which has been grounded in Thiruvananthapuram since June 14 following technical snag, is likely to fly back by July 22.
According to the sources, the repair work is almost over and the aircraft is undergoing tests for flying back.
A team of experts from the UK had come down on July 6 to repair the aircraft. An alternative plan of dismantling the aircraft and airlifting was also reportedly considered.
US built F-35B fighters are considered as the most lethal and survivable fighter aircraft in the world. Hence the technical snag suffered by the fighter grabbed wider attention. It was also widely trolled in the social media and Kerala Tourism and several government and private agencies used it for promotional purposes also.
The aircraft, which was operating from HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier of the UK Royal Navy, made the emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram reportedly following adverse weather conditions leading to fuel shortage. Later it developed technical glitch and remained grounded here.