A British F-35B fighter jet, stranded in India for over a month due to bad weather and technical issues, is scheduled to fly out after extensive repairs.
UK F-35 Fighter Jet Set to Depart India After Five-Week Delay
UK F-35 Fighter Jet Set to Depart India After Five-Week Delay
State-of-the-art aircraft finally deemed airworthy after technical setbacks.
The fighter jet, an F-35B belonging to the fleet of the HMS Prince of Wales, has been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport in India's Kerala state since June 14, when it was forced to land due to adverse weather conditions during its sortie over the Indian Ocean. After landing, the aircraft developed a technical snag, which led to its prolonged stay and ignited public interest regarding its condition and repair process.
An airport spokesperson confirmed that the F-35B is finally airworthy, stating, "The aircraft is confirmed to be pulled back from the hangar today, with its departure scheduled for Tuesday." However, specific details about the departure schedule and refuelling stops remain unclear as officials are yet to disclose further information.
Engineers from the Royal Navy attempted to rectify the jet's issues but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the UK Ministry of Defence dispatched a robust team of 14 engineers equipped with specialized tools and equipment to assess and fix the plane. Recent weeks saw speculation that, should repairs fail, the jet might have had to be disassembled and transported in a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft.
Despite the challenges and delays, officials are optimistic about the F-35B’s upcoming departure. The jet, valued at approximately $110 million (£80 million), has attracted media attention and provided light-hearted moments online, with memes circulating that poked fun at its situation amid Kerala’s scenic beauty, often referred to as "God's own country."
This unusual case of the stuck fighter jet had also made its way into discussions in the UK House of Commons, highlighting the unexpected diplomatic and logistical ramifications of the aircraft's extended sojourn in India. As preparations for departure wrap up, it remains to be seen how this saga will conclude.
An airport spokesperson confirmed that the F-35B is finally airworthy, stating, "The aircraft is confirmed to be pulled back from the hangar today, with its departure scheduled for Tuesday." However, specific details about the departure schedule and refuelling stops remain unclear as officials are yet to disclose further information.
Engineers from the Royal Navy attempted to rectify the jet's issues but were unsuccessful. Subsequently, the UK Ministry of Defence dispatched a robust team of 14 engineers equipped with specialized tools and equipment to assess and fix the plane. Recent weeks saw speculation that, should repairs fail, the jet might have had to be disassembled and transported in a C-17 Globemaster cargo aircraft.
Despite the challenges and delays, officials are optimistic about the F-35B’s upcoming departure. The jet, valued at approximately $110 million (£80 million), has attracted media attention and provided light-hearted moments online, with memes circulating that poked fun at its situation amid Kerala’s scenic beauty, often referred to as "God's own country."
This unusual case of the stuck fighter jet had also made its way into discussions in the UK House of Commons, highlighting the unexpected diplomatic and logistical ramifications of the aircraft's extended sojourn in India. As preparations for departure wrap up, it remains to be seen how this saga will conclude.
