Working to repair F-35B: British high commission on stranded fighter jet in Kerala
New Delhi, Jun 25 (PTI): As an F-35B fighter jet of the UK's Royal Navy remained stranded in Kerala for over 10 days, British authorities on Wednesday said efforts are underway to repair the aircraft.
The jet, worth over USD 110 million and known to be one of the most advanced fighters globally, made an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14.
The aircraft is part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group of the UK's Royal Navy.
"We are working to repair the UK F-35B at Thiruvananthapuram international airport as quickly as possible," a British high commission spokesperson said.
"We thank the Indian Authorities for their continued support," the official said.
The aircraft was unable to return to HMS Prince of Wales due to adverse weather conditions.
Prioritising safety, the aircraft was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram international airport where it landed safely.
The aircraft has subsequently developed an engineering issue while on the ground which precluded its return to the carrier, it is learnt.
Engineers from HMS Prince of Wales assessed the aircraft and it was decided that the support of a UK-based engineering team was needed.
To minimise disruptions to the regular airport operations, the aircraft will be moved to a space in the Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility hangar once specialist equipment and UK engineering teams arrive, people familiar with the matter said.
Days after the fighter jet's emergency landing, the Indian Air Force said it was providing all necessary support for the "rectification and subsequent return" of the aircraft.
The HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group carried out military drills with the Indian Navy earlier this month.
The F-35B is the only fifth generation fighter jet with short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities, making it ideal for operating from smaller decks, austere bases and ships.
Known simply as the 'Lightning' in British service, the F-35 model is the short take off/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fighter jet that is designed to operate from short-field bases and air-capable ships.
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Punjab CM Mann lays foundation stone of Rs 14.63 crore sports stadium in Sangrur
Sangrur (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday laid the foundation stone of a Rs 14.63 crore modern sports stadium here, underscoring that expanding access to quality playgrounds alongside a strong education system is key to steering the youth towards "purpose, performance, and global achievement".
The stadium coming up on 4.38 acres in Satouj will offer professional training and host a wide range of sports including badminton, handball, judo, netball, basketball, volleyball, football, gymnastics, kabaddi and karate, according to an official release.
"It is a historic day for the region as this stadium is coming up at a cost of Rs 14.63 crore. This stadium will be constructed over an area of 4.38 acres, and the complex will host various sporting activities," Mann said.
"The stadium will have a 200-metre athletic track, pavilion for spectators and players and a multipurpose indoor sports hall," he said.
While highlighting the wide range of facilities being created, Mann said professional training opportunities will be provided to children and youngsters in the stadium, adding that this project will ensure that the area emerges as a sports hub.
Emphasising the importance of balanced development, he said, "When there is a good school for education and a proper ground for sports, a child can bring glory to their village, state, and country on the global stage."
Reaffirming the Punjab government's focus on youth development, Mann said, "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that the Punjab government is successfully providing world-class facilities for education and sports."
This project will help in further breaking the backbone of drugs by fostering sporting culture in the state, and it will help in channelising the unbounded energy of youth of state in a positive manner, he said.
Such stadiums will play an important role in helping the youth stay away from the curse of drugs and in order to encourage the youngsters to realise their dreams of winning medals in national and international sporting events, the CM said.
Later, Mann launched an ultra-modern community health centre here that aims to benefit the residents of 85 villages. It is equipped with round-the-clock emergency services, surgical facilities, treatment for serious illnesses and specialist care for children, he said.
Mann alleged that previous governments neglected regions like Dirba and kept development restricted. He said his government is reversing this by investing public money back into villages through hospitals, schools, libraries and roads.
"To impart quality health services to people, we have dedicated the CHC at village Kauhrian... This ambitious project has been completed at a cost of Rs 13.23 crore and the centre has a capacity of 30 beds," he said.
He further noted, "The CHC will also have paediatric specialists for treating children's diseases, and free treatment along with all necessary tests for mothers and children will be provided."
Mann added that dental treatment will also be provided by a specialist at the facility.
