A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier fleet, is preparing for takeoff from Thiruvananthapuram Airport in the Indian state of Kerala after a delay of nearly five weeks.
On 14 June, the aircraft made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram after being diverted from its mission over the Indian Ocean due to severe weather. The jet subsequently developed a technical fault and remained grounded at the airport.
Flight Scheduled for Tuesday
An airport official told the BBC: “The aircraft is being rolled out of the hangar today. Its departure is scheduled for Tuesday.” The official added that no technical details of the flight had yet been disclosed.
The UK Ministry of Defence had dispatched a 14-person team of specialist engineers to India in recent weeks to assess and repair the jet. The team arrived in Thiruvananthapuram with the necessary specialised equipment. The aircraft was moved to a hangar for repairs, and officials have now confirmed it is “fit to fly.”
Dismantling Option Was Considered
If the F-35B could not be repaired, alternative plans had reportedly included disassembling the aircraft and transporting it back to the UK in a large cargo plane such as a C-17 Globemaster. However, the issue was resolved before such measures were necessary.
Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the highly advanced F-35B Lightning II is known for its short takeoff and vertical landing capabilities. The aircraft is estimated to be worth $110 million.
Subject of Social Media Jokes
The extended stay of the aircraft in Kerala drew widespread attention on social media. Images of the parked F-35B in heavy monsoon rain sparked jokes suggesting the jet didn’t want to leave “God’s Own Country,” as Kerala is affectionately known.
The incident was also raised in the UK House of Commons, where lawmakers demanded explanations as to how such a strategic aircraft could remain stranded in a foreign country for weeks.
