'No more coming back'; British F-35B fighter jet repaired in Thiruvananthapuram; test flight scheduled

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The repair work on the British F-35B fighter jet stationed at Thiruvananthapuram airport has been completed after nearly a month. The aircraft, which had been moved to Air India’s hangar, was taken out today using a pushback tractor. Issues related to the aircraft’s hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit have reportedly been resolved.

The jet was moved out in the presence of CISF commandos, Air India security personnel, and British technical experts. A tow bar brought in from the UK was used to move the aircraft. However, no official information has been released regarding the exact timing of the jet's takeoff. A test flight is scheduled for today, and the aircraft will only be flown back to the UK after that.

The jet was grounded on June 14 due to low fuel and a technical malfunction. The situation became a topic of discussion even in the British Parliament, prompting UK authorities to finally approve moving the jet into the hangar. Initially, the British military was reluctant to allow a highly advanced and secure aircraft to be housed in another country’s hangar.

The F-35B is a fifth-generation fighter jet made by the United States and is not available to countries outside NATO alliances. Concerns over potential leaks of sensitive technology were the main reason behind the hesitation to shift the aircraft. However, with no other option to fix the technical issues, the UK eventually gave the green light. A 14-member team carried out the repair work on the aircraft.