The F-35B fighter jet, stranded in India for over five weeks due to technical issues, is now prepared to return home after significant maintenance efforts.
UK F-35B Fighter Jet Set to Fly After Five-Week Delay in India
UK F-35B Fighter Jet Set to Fly After Five-Week Delay in India
British fighter jet finally ready to depart following emergency repairs in Thiruvananthapuram.
The F-35B, a cutting-edge British fighter jet, is on track to finally depart from Thiruvananthapuram airport in India after being stuck for over five weeks due to a technical malfunction. The aircraft, which landed in Kerala on June 14 after being diverted from its sortie in the Indian Ocean due to adverse weather, will be pulled back from the hangar today, with plans for its departure slated for Tuesday, as confirmed by an airport spokesperson.
The F-35B is part of the fleet belonging to the HMS Prince of Wales, and engineers from the Royal Navy were brought in to address the mechanical issues that led to the aircraft's grounding. Initial efforts were unsuccessful, prompting the UK Ministry of Defence to deploy a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with the necessary tools for repairs. Recent updates indicate that the jet has been deemed airworthy and is scheduled to have its departure details finalized soon.
The prolonged stay of the $110 million fighter jet has piqued curiosity, generating speculation and humor on social media, as it remained parked amid the monsoon rains in Kerala, famously referred to as "God's own country." The situation even sparked discussions in the House of Commons regarding its operational anomaly.
As updates continue, the airport official reiterated that the aircraft's exact refueling arrangements and the timeline for technicians' return remain undisclosed but are on the horizon. With its advanced stealth capabilities and versatility in short take-off and vertical landing, the F-35B is poised to make its much-anticipated return to the skies after overcoming significant challenges on foreign soil.
The F-35B is part of the fleet belonging to the HMS Prince of Wales, and engineers from the Royal Navy were brought in to address the mechanical issues that led to the aircraft's grounding. Initial efforts were unsuccessful, prompting the UK Ministry of Defence to deploy a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with the necessary tools for repairs. Recent updates indicate that the jet has been deemed airworthy and is scheduled to have its departure details finalized soon.
The prolonged stay of the $110 million fighter jet has piqued curiosity, generating speculation and humor on social media, as it remained parked amid the monsoon rains in Kerala, famously referred to as "God's own country." The situation even sparked discussions in the House of Commons regarding its operational anomaly.
As updates continue, the airport official reiterated that the aircraft's exact refueling arrangements and the timeline for technicians' return remain undisclosed but are on the horizon. With its advanced stealth capabilities and versatility in short take-off and vertical landing, the F-35B is poised to make its much-anticipated return to the skies after overcoming significant challenges on foreign soil.
