British F-35B fighter jet to depart Kerala after emergency repairs

After five weeks of being grounded in Kerala, the British Royal Navy’s F-35B fighter jet is set to depart from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport tomorrow. The advanced fifth-generation stealth aircraft had made an emergency landing on June 14 due to a hydraulic system malfunction while patrolling the Indo-Pacific region as part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.

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Following the emergency landing, India promptly granted the necessary permissions. However, initial repair efforts were delayed as British engineers and experts from the aircraft’s manufacturing company faced technical challenges. The jet was moved to a hangar at the airport on July 6, and after weeks of work, the repair has finally been completed.

This evening, the aircraft will be rolled out of the hangar, and by tomorrow, it is expected to either resume its mission or fly back to England. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings, making it highly versatile for naval operations. During its deployment, the fighter had also participated in joint exercises with the Indian Navy.

The aircraft, valued between $100 million and $115 million, is considered one of the most expensive and advanced combat jets in the world. The UK is expected to compensate India for the extended use of airport facilities and hangar space during the repair period.