A UK F-35B fighter jet, which had been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14, departed today after a British engineering team completed the repairs and safety checks, a statement said.
The UK thanked India for the cooperation extended during the entire process.
A spokesperson of the British High Commission said: “A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on June 14, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. A UK engineering team, deployed since July 06 completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to resume active service.
“The UK remains very grateful for the support and collaboration of the Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the repair and recovery process. “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our defence partnership with India.”
The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK’s Royal Navy.
The UK F-35 aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions. The aircraft was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in India, where it landed safely.
The aircraft subsequently developed an engineering issue whilst on the ground which delayed its return to the Carrier Strike Group.
Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK based engineering team was needed.
The UK had accepted India’s offer to move the aircraft in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.
To ensure minimal disruption to regular airport operations, it was decided to move the aircraft once UK engineering teams arrive with specialist equipment.
The UK has complied with all standard requirements for commercial airports, it said.
