A team of engineers from UK deployed at Thiruvanathapuram airport will now assess whether the F-35B can be repaired on site or if it will need to be dismantled & transported back.
The episode underlines broader delays, sustainment issues flagged in US oversight reports. A large team has been flown in from the UK. to assess & service the grounded fighter.
In tactical terms, the shirtless protest was worse than a self-goal. Suddenly, the fiascos of the AI Summit were forgotten, and the Youth Congress’s disruption became the issue.
IAF is fine with accepting the aircraft with 'must-haves', even if some other steps remain pending, which may take at least another year, it is learnt.
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