Overview

• The F-35B made an emergency landing on June 14 after reporting low fuel during exercises from HMS Prince of Wales and was refuelled by the Indian Air Force.
• Technicians found a hydraulic system failure after landing that has prevented the jet from taking off despite initial repair efforts.
• India offered hangar space and temporary shelter to protect the jet from monsoon rains, but the Royal Navy declined over concerns about securing its advanced technology.
• A reinforced UK maintenance team is en route with specialised spares and equipment to carry out on-site repairs at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
• If field repairs do not succeed, officials say the fighter may be loaded onto a military transport aircraft for return to the UK.