An F-35B fighter jet belonging to the UK, which has been marooned in India for over five weeks, is poised to take off, as confirmed by airport officials. Scheduled for Tuesday, the aircraft will be "pulled back from the hangar," offering a glimmer of hope after its unexpected stay at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala.
Initially diverted to the airport on June 14 due to poor weather conditions during a routine mission in the Indian Ocean, the state-of-the-art aircraft ended up developing technical issues that led to its prolonged presence on Indian soil. The unusual situation sparked intrigue and led to discussions regarding the reliability and maintenance of such advanced technology outside the UK.
The F-35B is part of the fleet associated with the HMS Prince of Wales. Following its diversion, engineers from the Royal Navy's flagship attempted repairs but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, a UK defence team comprising 14 technicians with specialized tools was dispatched to carry out further assessments and repairs on the aircraft. Recent updates have confirmed that the F-35B is now deemed airworthy, as reported by a Thiruvananthapuram airport official.
Despite the excitement surrounding its planned departure, details regarding refueling stops or logistics for transporting grounding equipment and technicians remain vague. The sight of the aircraft stranded in Kerala, often humorously dubbed the "lonely F-35B,” had drawn media attention, prompting public speculation, jokes, and memes.
The $110 million (£80 million) jet’s saga even became a topic in the House of Commons, emphasizing the socio-political angle of what many saw as an aviation mishap with international implications. As the F-35B gears up for its long-awaited departure, eyes are now on the skies to witness its return flight home.
