A British F-35B stealth fighter jet, stranded in Kerala since June 14, finally took off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport today after undergoing major repairs. The aircraft had made an emergency landing last month due to a hydraulic failure while en route from the UK to Australia, forcing it to divert to India amid low fuel and poor weather.
The jet, part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was cleared for flight following a detailed inspection and repair by a 24-member British engineering team. The team, which arrived on July 6, brought special equipment to move and repair the fighter, as India does not operate the F-35 series.
A British High Commission spokesperson expressed appreciation for the support provided by Indian authorities and the airport team, emphasizing the cooperation extended during the unplanned stopover.
Efforts were made throughout the five-week period to either repair the aircraft on-site or fly it back using a C-17 Globemaster, a massive military transport plane. Ultimately, repairs were completed in Kerala itself.
The F-35B’s extended stay did not go unnoticed — the daily parking fee of over ₹26,000 led to total charges exceeding ₹9 lakh. Meanwhile, the jet became a local attraction and social media sensation, with Kerala Tourism cheekily posting, “Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave.”
The F-35B, developed by Lockheed Martin, is one of the most advanced and expensive fighter jets globally. Its B variant is specifically designed for short take-offs and vertical landings, enabling operations from carriers without traditional catapults.
