The advanced F-35B jet, crucial to the British military fleet, is on the verge of leaving India's Thiruvananthapuram airport after being grounded for over five weeks. Having landed on June 14, the aircraft was diverted there due to adverse weather conditions encountered during a mission over the Indian Ocean. Unfortunately, it developed a technical issue that required expert assessment and repair.
An airport representative confirmed that the jet is scheduled to be removed from the hangar on Tuesday, with its departure set for the same day. Despite acknowledging the jet’s airworthiness, officials were tight-lipped about specific technical details. As the aircraft remained on Indian soil, interest grew around how a modern fighter could be incapacitated for such an extended period.
Initially, engineers from the Royal Navy worked on the F-35B after it had been unable to return to its carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales. Their efforts were unfruitful, leading the UK Ministry of Defence to send a 14-member team of engineers equipped with specialized tools to find a solution. The unique case of the F-35B raised concern that if repairs failed, disassembly for transport by a larger cargo plane like a C-17 Globemaster might be the only option.
Images of the sidelined jet during Kerala's monsoon season caught public attention, inspiring memes that humorously speculated whether it was reluctant to leave the picturesque region known as "God's own country." Additionally, this unusual incident made its way to discussions in the House of Commons, highlighting the intrigue surrounding the stranded $110m (£80m) aircraft. As departure plans solidify, the UK prepares to reassess the fate of its prized stealth jet.
An airport representative confirmed that the jet is scheduled to be removed from the hangar on Tuesday, with its departure set for the same day. Despite acknowledging the jet’s airworthiness, officials were tight-lipped about specific technical details. As the aircraft remained on Indian soil, interest grew around how a modern fighter could be incapacitated for such an extended period.
Initially, engineers from the Royal Navy worked on the F-35B after it had been unable to return to its carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales. Their efforts were unfruitful, leading the UK Ministry of Defence to send a 14-member team of engineers equipped with specialized tools to find a solution. The unique case of the F-35B raised concern that if repairs failed, disassembly for transport by a larger cargo plane like a C-17 Globemaster might be the only option.
Images of the sidelined jet during Kerala's monsoon season caught public attention, inspiring memes that humorously speculated whether it was reluctant to leave the picturesque region known as "God's own country." Additionally, this unusual incident made its way to discussions in the House of Commons, highlighting the intrigue surrounding the stranded $110m (£80m) aircraft. As departure plans solidify, the UK prepares to reassess the fate of its prized stealth jet.
