A cutting-edge British fighter jet, the F-35B, is finally ready to take off from India after being stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport for more than five weeks. The aircraft landed on June 14 due to bad weather while on a mission in the Indian Ocean, but soon faced technical difficulties.
As curiosity surged about why such an advanced jet was sidelined for so long, engineers from the UK's Royal Navy attempted repairs but were unsuccessful. Eventually, a team of 14 engineers was dispatched to rectify the issue, complete with specialized equipment.
Images of the jet, humorously dubbed the "lonely F-35B," sparked jokes and memes online, with people suggesting the aircraft was hesitant to leave the beautiful landscapes of Kerala, known as "God's own country." Now, airport officials have announced it's confirmed to be airworthy, though details regarding the exact time of departure and refueling plans remain under wraps. The case even garnered attention in the House of Commons, emphasizing the jet's $110 million price tag and the peculiar circumstances surrounding its extended sojourn in India.
