A state-of-the-art British F-35B fighter jet, stranded in India for over five weeks, is finally set for its departure on Tuesday following repairs. The aircraft, which landed at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala on 14 June after encountering bad weather in the Indian Ocean, developed a technical snag that prevented its return.
Officials from the airport confirmed that the aircraft is ready to fly, specifying it will be pulled from the hangar and scheduled for takeoff. The prolonged delay in the aircraft's departure raised questions about how a modern jet could be immobilized for an extended period in a foreign country, piquing public curiosity and spurring online jokes and memes.
After the plane, belonging to the fleet of HMS Prince of Wales, was unable to be repaired by Royal Navy engineers, a UK Ministry of Defence team of 14 specialists was deployed to assess the situation. With specialized repair equipment in hand, they managed to restore the F-35B to airworthy status. Anecdotal reports and images circulated, depicting the jet parked on the tarmac during the Kerala monsoon rains, with many humorously suggesting it preferred the charm of its scenic surroundings.
As the F-35B prepares to take flight, the exact time of departure and the logistics for refueling en route back to London remain uncommunicated. The jet’s journey has stirred dialogue within the House of Commons, highlighting both its impressive capabilities and the challenges of international military operations.
