The F-35B, a modern British fighter jet, is set to take off from Thiruvananthapuram airport in India on Tuesday after being stranded for over five weeks due to technical difficulties. The jet was initially diverted to the airport on June 14 after encountering bad weather during a mission in the Indian Ocean. Following its landing, the F-35B developed a snag that prevented its immediate return.
The extended period of the fighter jet’s presence in India raised eyebrows and led to discussions about the reliability of advanced military technology. As engineers from the Royal Navy attempted to resolve the issues, a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with necessary tools was deployed two weeks ago in an effort to expedite repairs on site.
An airport representative confirmed that the aircraft is airworthy and expected to be pulled out from the hangar on Monday, although exact details about the flight's refueling stops or technician transport plans remain undisclosed. This situation had generated much interest locally and internationally, resulting in viral memes and speculation about the jet's reluctance to depart from scenic Kerala, known for its beauty and dubbed "God's own country."
The costly $110 million (£80 million) fighter jet's situation also garnered attention in the House of Commons, highlighting the complexities involved with maintaining and repairing advanced military equipment abroad. Now, as departure approaches, officials are working to ensure a smooth exit for the aircraft and its crew.
The extended period of the fighter jet’s presence in India raised eyebrows and led to discussions about the reliability of advanced military technology. As engineers from the Royal Navy attempted to resolve the issues, a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with necessary tools was deployed two weeks ago in an effort to expedite repairs on site.
An airport representative confirmed that the aircraft is airworthy and expected to be pulled out from the hangar on Monday, although exact details about the flight's refueling stops or technician transport plans remain undisclosed. This situation had generated much interest locally and internationally, resulting in viral memes and speculation about the jet's reluctance to depart from scenic Kerala, known for its beauty and dubbed "God's own country."
The costly $110 million (£80 million) fighter jet's situation also garnered attention in the House of Commons, highlighting the complexities involved with maintaining and repairing advanced military equipment abroad. Now, as departure approaches, officials are working to ensure a smooth exit for the aircraft and its crew.
