Stranded British F-35B Jet Departs from Kerala After Month-Long Repair
A British Royal Navy F-35B fighter jet, which became an unexpected and high-profile guest at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, has flown back to the United Kingdom after being stranded in Kerala for over a month. The advanced stealth jet’s departure on Tuesday marks the successful conclusion of a complex international repair and recovery operation.
The fifth-generation aircraft made an emergency landing on June 14. It was operating from the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales when it was diverted due to bad weather and low fuel, reportedly suffering a hydraulic failure during the process. The unscheduled and prolonged stay of one of the world's most advanced fighter jets sparked considerable public curiosity and media attention.
Initially, there were concerns that the damage might require the jet to be dismantled and transported back to the UK. However, a Royal Air Force transport plane arrived on July 6, bringing a team of British engineers and crucial spare parts. The team worked for weeks to fix the fault, which had affected key systems like the landing gear and brakes.
In a statement, the British High Commission confirmed the jet's departure and expressed gratitude for the support and collaboration from Indian authorities and airport teams throughout the process. The successful repair and departure was a strong example of international teamwork, ensuring the valuable military jet returned safely.
