UK Fighter Jet Prepared for Departure After Extended Stay in India
A British F-35B fighter jet, which has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram airport in India for over five weeks, is finally set to depart on Tuesday. The aircraft was diverted to the airport on June 14 due to adverse weather conditions during a sortie in the Indian Ocean and subsequently developed a technical issue. An airport spokesperson confirmed that the jet would be pulled from the hangar today, with its departure scheduled for tomorrow.
Background of the Incident
The F-35B, part of the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, encountered difficulties that prevented its return to the aircraft carrier. After the initial attempts by Royal Navy engineers to fix the aircraft failed, the UK Ministry of Defence deployed a specialized team of 14 engineers to assess and repair the jet. This team arrived with the necessary equipment to facilitate the repair and movement of the aircraft. Videos captured during this period showed the F-35B being towed to a hangar for further examination.
Speculation arose regarding the fate of the aircraft, with concerns that if repairs were unsuccessful, it might need to be dismantled and transported via a larger cargo plane, such as a C-17 Globemaster. Despite the uncertainty, the UK high commission in India and defense authorities have remained tight-lipped about the repair details, leading to widespread curiosity about the situation.
Current Status and Departure Plans
As of Monday, an airport official confirmed that the F-35B is now deemed airworthy. The aircraft is scheduled to be pulled out of the hangar today, although the exact time of its departure remains unconfirmed. There are still unanswered questions regarding which airport will be used for refueling en route to London and when the backup aircraft will arrive to transport the technicians and equipment back to the UK.
The F-35B is a highly advanced stealth jet manufactured by Lockheed Martin, known for its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities. Its prolonged stay in India has not only sparked curiosity but also generated a light-hearted response on social media, with images of the aircraft in the Kerala monsoon becoming the subject of jokes and memes.
Public and Government Reactions
The incident involving the stranded F-35B has drawn attention beyond social media, even reaching discussions in the House of Commons. The aircraft, valued at approximately $110 million (£80 million), has become a talking point regarding the challenges faced by modern military technology when operating in diverse environments.
The public’s fascination with the “lonely F-35B” reflects a blend of humor and concern, as many have playfully suggested that the aircraft might prefer to remain in the picturesque state of Kerala, often referred to as “God’s own country” in tourism literature. As the departure date approaches, the situation continues to capture the interest of both the media and the public.
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