British F-35B Fighter Jet Leaves Kerala After Five-Week Emergency Landing
A British F-35B stealth fighter jet, which had been stranded in Kerala since June 14, successfully departed from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport today after extensive repairs. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing last month due to a hydraulic failure it experienced while traveling from the United Kingdom to Australia. This incident required the jet to divert to India due to low fuel levels and adverse weather conditions.
Part of the UK Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, the jet was authorized to fly again following comprehensive inspections and repairs carried out by a 24-member British engineering team. Arriving on July 6, the team brought specialized equipment necessary for the repairs, as India does not operate the F-35 series aircraft.
A spokesperson from the British High Commission expressed gratitude towards the Indian authorities and airport staff for their assistance and cooperation during this unexpected stopover.
Over a five-week period, attempts were made to either repair the aircraft at the site or transport it back using a C-17 Globemaster, a large military transport aircraft. Ultimately, the necessary repairs were completed in Kerala.
The prolonged stay of the F-35B attracted attention, as the daily parking fee of over ₹26,000 resulted in total charges surpassing ₹9 lakh. The jet also became a local curiosity and a hit on social media, with Kerala Tourism humorously remarking, “Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave.”
Developed by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is one of the most advanced and costly fighter jets in the world. The B variant is specifically engineered for short take-offs and vertical landings, allowing for operations from carriers that do not have conventional catapult systems.
