Stranded UK F-35B fighter jet towed to hangar, experts land in Thiruvananthapuram to repair the aircraft

A team of technical experts arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess and repair the stranded UK F-35B fighter jet. 

The fighter jet, which continues to be stranded in Kerala after making an emergency landing due to a technical issue, was towed to the Air India hangar at the airport.

"Stranded F-35B British fighter jet being moved to the hangar from its grounded position. A team of technical experts on board the British Royal Air Force Airbus A400M Atlas arrived at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport to assess the F-35 fighter jet. The F-35 jet had made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14," mentioned an ANI tweet. 

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A British High Commission spokesperson in a statement confirmed the arrival of the engineering team at the airport. It was also informed that the UK has accepted the offer of a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility of the airport, and is in discussions to finalise arrangements with relevant authorities.

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"The UK remains very grateful for the continued support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams," the British High Commission statement added.

The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, made an emergency landing in Kerala on June 14. The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy.

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Defence