Latest news with #F-35BLightningII
NDTV
7 hours ago
- General
- NDTV
UK Navy Declines Air India's Hangar Space Offer To Park Grounded F-35B: Sources
New Delhi: The Royal Navy's crown jewel F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which has been parked in the open in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram for six days, will not be moved inside a hangar, as requested by the British navy, sources said. The American-origin F-35B - the most expensive fighter jet in terms of programme cost - is packed with advanced technologies that Britain may not want others to take a closer look at, sources said, adding this could be one of the reasons why the Royal Navy declined Air India's offer to allocate hangar space to park the aircraft, away from the elements. It is highly likely that concerns over "protected technologies" may have delayed any decision on the Royal Navy's part to take the F-35B inside a hangar. While they have so far declined the offer, they may consider moving it inside the hangar for a final inspection and repair, sources said. The British F-35B made an unscheduled landing in Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14. The jet, one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, has become an unusual and high-profile presence at the airport, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and onlookers. The aircraft is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales carrier strike group, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. The carrier group recently completed joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy. Since the F-35B's arrival in Kerala, British aviation engineers have been working intensively to fix a technical snag in the aircraft's hydraulic systems. Despite their efforts, the issue remains unresolved, delaying the fighter jet's return to its mother ship. The aircraft remains parked at the airport under a strict security cordon. Initially, the F-35B pilot contacted Thiruvananthapuram airport and sought clearance for landing citing low fuel. The next day, the Indian Air Force (IAF) confirmed that it was an emergency landing, and the IAF would be providing all necessary support. The pilot and Royal Navy technicians are at the airport, looking into the mechanical issues.
Mint
10 hours ago
- Mint
British fighter jet F-35B for sale on OLX? Here's the truth about aircraft grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport
Amid a British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport after making an emergency landing on 14 June, several posts on social media claimed the British F-35B Lightning II was up for sale on OLX. According to the details, the British F-35B Lightning II jet landed in Thiruvananthapuram International Airport due to a suspected hydraulic issue. The British jet was on routine flight outside Indian airspace when it developed a technical fault and diverted to the southern Indian airport. Meanwhile, screenshots from the OLX were posted on social media by users, claiming the aircraft was up for sale for $4 million. The viral post, however, is fake. But, no such post was found on OLX's official website. Looking into the details, the items for sale for the F-35 fighter jet were priced in US dollars, suggesting the post was fabricated. However, social media users took a swipe and commented on the incident. One wrote, "Someone put a UK F-35B fighter jet up for sale on OLX🤣 kaise kaise log rehte hai yahan.." Another wrote, "British F-35B Fighter Jet is on sale for only $4 million in Kerala, India. The description is wild...." A third wrote, 'Someone put a selling ads of America billion dollars fighter jet F-35B for sale. This fighter jet is in India for 6 days long due to technical issues. India is not for beginners 🤣🤣 Kya log hain vaiii.' "Someone have put that stranded UK F-35B Fighter Jet on OLX," wrote the fourth user. Though the root cause of the emergency landing of the British jet is said to be a technical fault, the fifth-generation combat jet is still stationed at the airport for a third day. Shortly after the incident, technicians from the carrier arrived to begin inspection and repairs. Six of them returned to the ship on Tuesday afternoon, while three personnel – including the pilot – remain at Thiruvananthapuram to oversee the rectification efforts. The pilot has been resting in the airport's apron office area and the aircrew were moved to the Emergency Medical Centre after the incident, as per the precautionary protocol. Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Ltd (TIAL) has been facilitating their stay, providing accommodation and meals. At the Royal Navy's request, a local ground handling agency was also arranged. Also, the Indian Air Force supports the UK team in returning the aircraft to full service.
NDTV
12 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
British F-35B Fighter Jet, Which Is Grounded In Kerala, On Sale On OLX? A Fact-Check
New Delhi: A British F-35B fighter jet, which made an unscheduled stop at Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday, has remained grounded since then. While authorities worked on ensuring the safe departure of the jet, one of the world's most expensive and advanced combat aircraft, multiple posts on social media claimed the British F-35B Lightning II was up for sale on OLX. The screenshot appeared to be that of a post on OLX, and it included a picture of the F-35 fighter jet. It said the aircraft was up for sale for USD 4 million. The viral post, however, is fake. India is not for Beginners ???????????? Indians put Royal Navy's #F35B stealth fighter jet for sale on OLX, which has been grounded in Kerala's #Thiruvananthapuram airport for 6 days. — Rocket Singh Loki Head Chef @ Gryffindor भोजनालय (@DegreeWaleBabu) June 20, 2025 Who the hell did this! LMAO. Royal Navy's F-35B for sale. — Shihab (@ShihabudeenMb) June 18, 2025 F35 for Sale on OLX at $4M ???????????? #Trump — Jamin (@JaminrpP) June 20, 2025 Malayalis have put the British F-35 fighter jet on sale online in OLX ???????? — Mini Nair (@minicnair) June 17, 2025 The post also mentioned a few of the aircraft's specifications, including automatic parking, brand-new tyres and a battery. However, no such post was found on OLX's official website. Additionally, the items for sale on OLX from Kerala were priced in US dollars, which further suggests the post was fabricated. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is currently guarding the British F-35B fighter jet, which is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. The carrier group recently completed joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy. Since its arrival, British aviation engineers have been working intensively to fix a technical snag related to the aircraft's hydraulic systems. Despite their efforts, the issue remains unresolved, delaying the fighter jet's return to its mother ship.
India Gazette
a day ago
- Business
- India Gazette
British F-35 jet grounded in southern India
The stealth fighter made an emergency landing in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday A British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet has been grounded at the Thiruvananthapuram Airport in southern India since making an emergency landing on Saturday. British aviation engineers are working on the aircraft, which remains on the tarmac on account of a "technical snag," according to local media reports. The jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was engaged in operations in the Indo-Pacific region after conducting joint exercises with the Indian Navy. The F-35B is a fighter jet designed by Lockheed Martin that can take off and land vertically, making it suitable for use on aircraft carriers. On Saturday night, the aircraft made an emergency diversion to Thiruvananthapuram due to low fuel levels, a report by NDTV said. It made an emergency landing after encountering bad weather, which prevented it from returning to its carrier. The Indian Air Force (IAF) assisted it by using its radar network and coordinating with air traffic control to ensure a safe landing, the Times of India said. On Monday, a Royal Navy helicopter arrived at the airport to take the pilot back to the ship, suggesting the F-35's return to service may be delayed. The IAF has said the jet's emergency landing was a "normal occurrence," adding that it is providing logistical support to assist with the situation. Six technicians who had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday and Monday, returned to the HMS Prince of Wales by helicopter on Tuesday afternoon, the Times of India added. The IAF does not have the F-35 in its arsenal but US President Donald Trump said in February that his country would offer to sell the jets to India. However, local media reports have suggested that the South Asian nation was leaning towards buying the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57. The television channel CNN-News18 cited Indian government sources as saying that the country was weighing an offer from Moscow for Su-57s, while no proposal about the F-35 was being considered. (
NDTV
2 days ago
- General
- NDTV
Timeline: World's Most Expensive Fighter Jet Is Still Grounded In Kerala
New Delhi: The British F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which made an unscheduled landing in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on Saturday night, remains grounded for the fourth straight day on Wednesday. The jet, one of the most advanced of its kind in the world, has become an unusual and high-profile presence at the airport, drawing attention from aviation enthusiasts and onlookers. The F-35B is also the most expensive fighter jet in the world in terms of the overall programme cost. The aircraft is part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, currently deployed in the Indo-Pacific region. The carrier group recently completed joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy. Since its arrival, British aviation engineers have been working intensively to fix a technical snag related to the aircraft's hydraulic systems. Despite their efforts, the issue remains unresolved, delaying the fighter jet's return to its mother ship. The aircraft remains parked at Bay 4 of the airport under a strict security cordon. Here is the sequence of events of the F-35B grounding, along with details of what ails the aircraft. June 14, 8.50 pm British F-35B stealth fighter jet takes off from HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea. June 14, 9.20 pm The F-35B pilot contacts Thiruvananthapuram airport, declares low fuel and requests for landing clearance. June 14, 9.30 pm The F-35B lands in Thiruvananthapuram airport. June 14, 10.30 pm The pilot 'Mike' is escorted from the jet for security procedures. June 14, 11.15 pm A Royal Navy helicopter lands with a two-man repair crew and remains overnight. June 15, 11.20 am Six Royal Navy technicians arrive; the aircraft grounding is extended due to mechanical issues. June 15, 9.54 pm The Indian Air Force (IAF) confirms emergency landing of the F-35B, says it is providing necessary support. June 16 The F-35B is reported to be grounded due to hydraulic failure. June 16 The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) security cover of the grounded F-35B is extended. June 18 The F-35B enters the fourth day of being grounded at the airport in Kerala.
