The state-of-the-art F-35B fighter jet belonging to the UK was stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport in India for more than five weeks following bad weather and malfunction. Now repaired and airborne, the jet is headed for Australia, raising questions about international aircraft maintenance.
Stranded British F-35B Fighter Jet Finally Takes Off from India to Australia
Stranded British F-35B Fighter Jet Finally Takes Off from India to Australia
The advanced aircraft, which had been grounded in Kerala for over five weeks due to technical issues, is now en route to Darwin after repairs.
A British F-35B fighter jet that had become a topic of intrigue during its five-week stay in India is now on its way to Australia. After undergoing necessary repairs at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala, the advanced aircraft has taken off and is en route to Darwin, as confirmed by an airport spokesperson.
Originally diverted to the Indian airport on June 14 due to inclement weather during a sortie in the Indian Ocean, the fighter jet faced additional challenges, suffering a technical malfunction that grounded it for weeks. Its unexpected presence in India prompted curiosity among aviation enthusiasts and questions about how a modern military aircraft could remain inactive abroad for such an extended period.
The jet, which belongs to the fleet of HMS Prince of Wales, was repaired at a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility after engineers were dispatched from the Royal Navy carrier to rectify its issues. Following unsuccessful attempts at repairs, the UK Ministry of Defence sent a team of 14 engineers to expedite the aircraft's maintenance.
Though the specific reasons for its flight to Darwin remain undisclosed, it is speculated to be part of operational support for the Royal Navy's engagements in the region. Recently, HMS Prince of Wales has been sharing updates on its joint exercises off the coast of Australia via social media.
The F-35B, valued at around $110m (£80m), is known for its advanced stealth capabilities, particularly its short take-off and vertical landing features. Its prolonged grounding, coupled with images of the aircraft sitting idle amid tropical monsoon rains, led to a flurry of memes and jokes online.
Debate within the UK Parliament even brought attention to the peculiar situation, while the British High Commission in India remained tight-lipped about the specific technical details involved in the jet's repairs and eventual departure.
