A state-of-the-art British fighter jet that has been stuck for over five weeks at an Indian airport is set to depart on Tuesday.
According to an airport spokesperson, the F-35B is scheduled to be “pulled from the hangar today, with departure planned for Tuesday.” Technical details remain unavailable.
On June 14, the F-35B was diverted to Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala due to bad weather during a mission. Subsequently, it encountered a technical issue.
The aircraft’s extended stay in India raised curiosity and questions about why a modern fighter jet couldn’t be operational after such a lengthy period in a foreign country.
Following its inability to return, engineers from the Royal Navy’s flagship carrier examined the plane for potential repairs.
However, their efforts were unsuccessful, leading the UK’s Ministry of Defence to dispatch a team of 14 engineers to India for a more thorough assessment and repair attempt.
These specialists arrived with the necessary equipment and conducted repairs. There was speculation that if repairs failed, the plane would be dismantled for transport in a larger aircraft.
The UK High Commission and defense authorities have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the repairs. However, an airport official confirmed on Monday that “the aircraft is confirmed to be airworthy.”
The departure from the hangar is set for Monday morning, with further details on departure times, refueling, and backup aircraft yet to be shared.
The F-35Bs, produced by Lockheed Martin, are known for their advanced stealth capabilities and ability for short take-offs and vertical landings.
Images of the abandoned fighter jet in Kerala, known as “God’s own country,” became a subject of humor and speculation about the aircraft’s reluctance to leave.
The $110m incident was also mentioned in the House of Commons.
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