British F-35B Stranded in India: Security Concerns, Repairs Delay Return
A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II fighter jet has been parked outdoors at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for five days due to the Royal Navy’s refusal to allow Indian authorities to move it into a hangar for repairs. Despite heavy monsoon rains hindering repairs by a British technical team, offers of hangar space and even a temporary shed were rejected. The aircraft is under CISF guard, but prolonged weather exposure risks damaging its sophisticated systems. The reasons for the Royal Navy’s refusal remain undisclosed, prompting speculation about the underlying causes.
John Q. Hosedrinker