A state-of-the-art British F-35B fighter jet, which has been grounded at an Indian airport for over five weeks, is now ready to depart on Tuesday, according to airport officials.
The F-35B, a highly advanced stealth jet, arrived at Thiruvananthapuram airport in the southern state of Kerala on June 14, after being diverted there during a sortie over the Indian Ocean. The jet encountered severe weather conditions before developing a technical fault, which kept it grounded at the airport for an extended period.
An airport spokesperson confirmed to the BBC that the aircraft, which was part of the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, “is confirmed to be airworthy” and scheduled to be pulled out of the hangar on Monday. The spokesperson added, however, that the exact time of departure and logistical details such as refueling stops and the arrival of backup aircraft for the technicians are still being finalised.
Repairs and Uncertainty
Following the initial breakdown, engineers from the Royal Navy visited Thiruvananthapuram to attempt repairs on the aircraft. However, their efforts were unsuccessful, and two weeks ago, the UK Ministry of Defence deployed a team of 14 engineers, equipped with specialized tools to assist in the repairs.
Despite these efforts, the prolonged repair process sparked curiosity, as the modern F-35B, valued at around $110 million (£80 million), had never been stranded abroad for such an extended period. There were speculations that if the repairs had failed, the aircraft might have been dismantled and transported back to the UK via a C-17 Globemaster cargo plane.
A Cultural Phenomenon in Kerala
The F-35B’s unexpected stay in Kerala, often referred to as “God’s Own Country,” became a source of amusement across the region. Images of the aircraft, parked on the tarmac while drenched in monsoon rains, circulated widely on social media, becoming the subject of memes and jokes. Many locals humorously suggested that the fighter jet simply didn’t want to leave the scenic surroundings of the coastal state.
The stranded fighter even made its way into political discourse, as the UK Parliament raised questions about the $110 million jet’s prolonged stay in India. There was no official comment from the British High Commission in India, but sources confirmed that discussions were ongoing about the repairs and logistics.
The Return of the F-35B
Now, with the jet’s airworthiness confirmed, officials are finalizing its departure plan. While the exact details remain under wraps, the aircraft is expected to make its way back to the UK soon. The Royal Navy and UK Ministry of Defence have refrained from providing further specifics, maintaining secrecy around the exact nature of the repairs.
As the jet prepares for its flight back to the UK, the curious case of the British fighter jet stranded in India has certainly captured the public’s imagination, blending aviation technology with the charm and intrigue of Kerala’s cultural landscape.
