A Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35 fighter jet has been grounded at an airport in Kerala, India, due to what British officials are calling “engineering issues.” The advanced stealth aircraft, part of a UK defence deployment, was expected to continue its journey after a brief technical halt in India.
However, unexpected mechanical concerns have left the jet immobilized on the tarmac, drawing local attention and raising curiosity online.
🗣️ Official Statement From UK High Commission
In response to growing media interest, the UK High Commission in India issued a statement:
“An F-35 Lightning II aircraft is temporarily grounded in India due to engineering issues. Appropriate technical teams are assessing the situation. There is no cause for concern related to safety or security.”
They added that the situation is being handled as per international aviation protocols, and all necessary precautions are in place.
🛠️ Nature of the Issue
While no specifics were released, defence insiders suggest the issue may involve:
Hydraulic system checks
Software diagnostics
Or minor component failure typical of long-haul military flights
No damage to the aircraft has been reported, and Indian authorities are fully informed of the situation.
🌍 Context: Why Was the F-35 in India?
The RAF jet was part of a multinational deployment or transit operation, possibly linked to ongoing UK military exercises or global showcasing missions of the F-35 Lightning II, a fifth-generation stealth combat aircraft.
India is not a customer of the F-35 but has ongoing defence dialogues with multiple NATO allies.
🤝 UK-India Defence Ties
This incident, while minor, spotlights deepening defence cooperation between India and the UK. British jets, naval vessels, and defence personnel have been increasingly active in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region as part of strategic partnerships.
❓ FAQs
Q: Is the F-35 stuck in India damaged?
A: No visible damage is reported. The aircraft is grounded purely due to technical evaluation.
Q: Is there any risk to public safety?
A: None at all. The RAF and Indian authorities are managing the situation per global safety standards.
Q: When will the jet take off again?
A: No official timeline has been given, but efforts are underway to restore the aircraft’s operational status.
published on 26th june
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