A British F-35B fighter jet, which has been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport in Kerala, is set to take off after more than five weeks of delay. The advanced stealth jet was diverted to India on June 14 due to adverse weather during a sortie over the Indian Ocean and subsequently encountered mechanical issues.
After its unexpected landing, British naval engineers assessed the aircraft, but they were unable to rectify the problem on site. The UK's Ministry of Defence later dispatched a specialized team of 14 engineers equipped with advanced tools to deal with the mechanical snag.
The prolonged stay of the $110 million jet drew significant public interest and prompted speculation about how such a modern aircraft could remain stranded abroad for an extended period. The situation escalated to the extent that there were suggestions it might need to be dismantled for transport if repairs were unsuccessful.
As the situation developed, images of the F-35B under the Kerala monsoon rains became the source of humor and memes online, with many joking that the aircraft had decided to enjoy its stay in the picturesque state dubbed "God's own country."
Reports indicated that the aircraft had recently been confirmed airworthy, finally paving the way for its departure. An airport official announced that it would be pulled from the hangar on Monday morning, though specifics concerning its exact departure time and refueling stops en route to London remain uncommunicated.
The situation garnered attention in the UK Parliament, highlighting the challenges faced by military technology on foreign deployments. As this incident draws to a close, it serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining advanced military readiness across the globe.
