An F-35B fighter jet from the UK, stranded in India due to technical issues, is now confirmed to be ready for flight after five weeks of being grounded at Thiruvananthapuram Airport.
Fighter Jet Stuck in India for Over a Month Set to Finally Take Off
Fighter Jet Stuck in India for Over a Month Set to Finally Take Off
British F-35B fighter jet preparing for departure after weeks of unexpected repairs in India
A British F-35B fighter jet that has lingered at an Indian airport for more than five weeks is finally set for departure. The advanced aircraft, part of the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales fleet, landed in Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 after being diverted due to adverse weather during a mission over the Indian Ocean, only to experience unforeseen technical difficulties.
An airport spokesperson confirmed that the F-35B is expected to be extracted from the hangar today, with plans for it to take off on Tuesday. However, specifics on the aircraft's condition and itinerary remain undisclosed. The prolonged stay of the jet at Thiruvananthapuram raised eyebrows, as observers questioned how such a modern military asset could face such delays abroad.
The aircraft was initially attended to by engineers from the Royal Navy, who were unsuccessful in getting it airborne. Following this, a specialized team of 14 engineers was dispatched by the UK Ministry of Defence, equipped with the necessary tools to address the problems it faced. The audacious scenario had led to speculation that if repairs were unfeasible, disassembly for transport via a larger cargo plane might become necessary.
The UK High Commission and Defence officials have largely refrained from releasing detailed information regarding the repairs despite the public and media interest surrounding the jet. On Monday, however, airport officials announced that the F-35B has been confirmed airworthy and is aimed for a return flight, although the timing of its departure and route specifics remain to be disclosed.
The F-35B, praised for its vertical landing capabilities and advanced stealth technology, drew significant attention during its stay, becoming a subject of memes and humor on social media. Observers joked about the jet’s unwillingness to depart from Kerala, known for its picturesque landscapes and dubbed "God's own country."
The $110 million jet’s stranded status has not only become a talking point among social media users but has also been referenced in discussions within the UK House of Commons.
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