F-35B fighter jet: Airbus 400 carrying British team returns; 14-member team to remain in Kerala

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The plane carrying the British team to inspect the F-35B fighter jet that landed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after a malfunction has returned. The Airbus 400, a military transport aircraft, took off at 4:30 pm. The 14-member team that arrived on the plane completed the immigration procedures and left for the hotel. It is reported that they will return to the hangar room after resting for some time at the hotel. The plane arrived in Thiruvananthapuram from Oman in the morning. It is indicated that the return journey will also be to Oman.

The fighter jet was moved to the Air India hangar after the expert team reached Thiruvananthapuram. The F-35 was in the maintenance handle of Air India for all these days. It is reported that the wings will be removed and the plane will be taken back if the efforts to fix the technical malfunction are not successful.

If the F-35B fighter jet is airlifted, the British forces will pay the parking, handling and landing fees at the airport. The F-35B is said to have suffered a serious hydraulic failure. The fighter jet costs $115 million (Rs. 995 crore). The delay in repairing the aircraft is due to the US not transferring the aircraft's technology to other countries.