After a series of technical issues, the F-35B aircraft is scheduled for departure from Thiruvananthapuram airport, marking the end of its curious stay in Kerala.
UK F-35B Fighter Jet Set to Depart India After Prolonged Delay
UK F-35B Fighter Jet Set to Depart India After Prolonged Delay
A British fighter jet that has been stuck in India for over five weeks is finally ready to take off.
In an unexpected turn of events, a state-of-the-art British F-35B fighter jet, which has been marooned at Thiruvananthapuram airport in India for over five weeks, is poised for takeoff. An airport spokesperson confirmed that the aircraft is scheduled to exit the hangar today, with plans to depart on Tuesday. The F-35B, part of the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, was diverted to the airport on June 14 due to inclement weather but soon encountered a technical issue that grounded it entirely.
The jet’s lengthy stay sparked public intrigue and raised eyebrows regarding how a cutting-edge aircraft could become stranded internationally for such an extended period. Following its diversion, engineers from the Royal Navy were dispatched to assess the aircraft, but initial repair attempts proved futile. Subsequently, the UK Ministry of Defence sent a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with the necessary tools to fix the aircraft.
Recent communications from the UK high commission in India regarding the repair details remained sparse. However, an airport official announced on Monday that the jet is now confirmed airworthy. While specifics on its departure schedule, including the refueling stop en route to London, are still pending confirmation, there’s a growing sense of relief regarding the aircraft's readiness to fly.
The incident has inspired a slew of memes and jokes online, with the F-35B humorously depicted as reluctant to leave the scenic coastal state of Kerala, often touted as "God's own country" in tourism campaigns. The perplexing saga of the $110 million jet even reached discussions in the House of Commons, highlighting its significance. As the countdown to its departure begins, the curious case of the stranded F-35B appears to finally be drawing to a close.
The jet’s lengthy stay sparked public intrigue and raised eyebrows regarding how a cutting-edge aircraft could become stranded internationally for such an extended period. Following its diversion, engineers from the Royal Navy were dispatched to assess the aircraft, but initial repair attempts proved futile. Subsequently, the UK Ministry of Defence sent a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with the necessary tools to fix the aircraft.
Recent communications from the UK high commission in India regarding the repair details remained sparse. However, an airport official announced on Monday that the jet is now confirmed airworthy. While specifics on its departure schedule, including the refueling stop en route to London, are still pending confirmation, there’s a growing sense of relief regarding the aircraft's readiness to fly.
The incident has inspired a slew of memes and jokes online, with the F-35B humorously depicted as reluctant to leave the scenic coastal state of Kerala, often touted as "God's own country" in tourism campaigns. The perplexing saga of the $110 million jet even reached discussions in the House of Commons, highlighting its significance. As the countdown to its departure begins, the curious case of the stranded F-35B appears to finally be drawing to a close.
