British F-35 jet taken down in southern India
(MENAFN) A British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport in southern India following an emergency landing on Saturday. The aircraft, which is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, remains on the runway due to a technical issue, with British aviation engineers currently working on repairs, according to local media.
The F-35B, designed by Lockheed Martin with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities for aircraft carrier operations, was conducting missions in the Indo-Pacific region after joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The emergency landing occurred on Saturday night because the jet was low on fuel and faced adverse weather conditions that prevented its return to the carrier, NDTV reported.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a key role in guiding the jet safely down by coordinating radar and air traffic control efforts, according to the Times of India. On Monday, a Royal Navy helicopter arrived at the airport to evacuate the pilot back to the ship, indicating that repairs and the jet’s return to duty may take some time. The IAF described the emergency landing as a “normal occurrence” and said it is providing logistical support to assist the British team.
Six British technicians who had traveled to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and Monday returned to the HMS Prince of Wales by helicopter on Tuesday afternoon, the Times of India added. While the Indian Air Force does not operate the F-35, US President Donald Trump had announced in February that the US would offer to sell the jets to India. However, local media reports suggest India is more inclined toward acquiring the Russian Sukhoi Su-57. CNN-News18 cited Indian government sources stating that no formal proposal regarding the F-35 is under consideration, while talks with Moscow about the Su-57 continue.
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