The British F-35B fighter jet departed Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on 22/7, after making an emergency landing there on 14/6. "A team of British engineers deployed on 6/7 completed repairs and safety checks, restoring the aircraft to operational status," a spokesperson for the British High Commission in India said, expressing gratitude to local authorities and airport management.
Indian media reported that the aircraft was cleared for takeoff on 21/7, following repairs to its hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit. According to an Indian official, the F-35B will return to the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, currently docked in Darwin, Australia.
The F-35B, assigned to the HMS Prince of Wales, made the emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, on the night of 14/6 due to inclement weather and low fuel. Subsequent hydraulic system issues grounded the aircraft for several weeks, despite efforts by British technicians.
British officials worked for several weeks to resolve the technical problems, at one point considering dismantling the fighter for transport by a C-17 cargo plane.
As the Indian military does not operate F-35s, specialized equipment was transported from the UK to Thiruvananthapuram on 6/7, with the assistance of 24 British Air Force technicians, to move the aircraft to a hangar.
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The British F-35B fighter jet inside a hangar at Thiruvananthapuram Airport on 6/7. Photo: UK Ministry of Defence |
The costs incurred during the aircraft's grounding in India, including parking and landing fees, are reportedly substantial. Indian media reported a daily parking fee of nearly 300 USD, totaling approximately 10,000 USD over the five-week period.
The incident attracted local attention and became the subject of memes on social media. Kerala Tourism shared an illustration of the aircraft parked at the airport with the caption, "Kerala is awesome. I don't want to leave. Will definitely recommend this place," promoting local tourism.
Pham Giang (According to AP, NDTV)
