WATCH: UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Takes Off From Thiruvananthapuram After Over A Month On Ground
After being grounded for more than a month, a British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is finally cleared for departure. The stealth aircraft, part of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group on board HMS Prince of Wales, which landed on June 14 will take off on Tuesday following extensive repairs.
British F-35B Jet Takes Off
The aircraft was grounded after it reportedly encountered a critical hydraulic system failure mid-flight. With fuel levels dropping rapidly and adverse weather closing in, the pilot diverted to Thiruvananthapuram—an airfield designated for emergency recovery—where the Indian Air Force swiftly stepped in to assist.
Although the jet’s onboard crew attempted initial repairs, they were unable to resolve the issue. The UK subsequently dispatched a 21-member engineering team that landed on July 6. The fighter jet was moved to the Air India engineering hangar, where repairs were carried out over a period of nearly two weeks.
British officials have expressed gratitude to Indian authorities, including the Indian Air Force and airport personnel, for their seamless coordination and support during the aircraft’s extended stay.
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