(Image source from: Ndtv.com)
An F-35B stealth fighter jet from the British Royal Navy has been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala for over 72 hours following an emergency landing. Reports indicate that the aircraft is experiencing a "technical issue," which prevents it from taking off. This short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) jet is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, currently operating in the Indo-Pacific region after conducting joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday morning due to low fuel levels. A day after the emergency landing, a Royal Navy AW101 Merlin helicopter arrived at the airport to retrieve the pilot and transport him back to the Prince of Wales, suggesting that the jet's return to active sea operations might take longer than expected. The Indian Air Force (IAF) had previously stated that it was assisting with the diversion and characterized the situation as a "normal occurrence," offering logistical support.
The F-35B belongs to the most advanced and costly fighter jet initiative in history. Created by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 program involves various international collaborators and multiple branches of service. The B variant operated by the Royal Navy can perform short take-offs and vertical landings, allowing it to operate from carriers without catapult launch systems. The F-35 series, which consists of A, B, and C variants, has been engaged in numerous operations in various regions recently. The Israeli Air Force, for instance, has utilized its F-35 fleet for precision strikes over Iranian territory, emphasizing the aircraft's importance to Western aerial capabilities. The F-35's stealth features, along with its sophisticated sensor integration, contribute to its desirability worldwide. However, the program has continually faced criticism regarding its expenses and recurring technical problems. In particular, the F-35B has encountered challenges related to its lift fan system and vertical landing functions.
