The high-tech British F-35B fighter jet, which sat idle at Thiruvananthapuram airport for more than five weeks, has finally taken to the skies, heading for Darwin, Australia. The aircraft was forced to land on June 14 during a flying mission when it encountered severe weather. Following that, it developed a technical malfunction, fueling a wave of curiosity regarding why such a sophisticated plane would remain in a foreign country for an extended period.
After undergoing repairs at the airport’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility, the jet was cleared for flight last Monday. It belongs to the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, currently engaged in joint exercises in the region, although officials did not disclose the exact reasons for its flight to Darwin. Updates and images from HMS Prince of Wales revealed the ongoing exercises off Australia’s coast.
Initially, crew engineers attempted repairs but were unsuccessful, leading to the UK Ministry of Defence deploying 14 specialists to further assess and fix the jet. Speculation arose over the possibility of the aircraft being dismantled and transported via cargo plane if repairs failed. The jet’s five-week stay in India even became a humorous topic online, as images surfaced of the F-35B surrounded by monsoon rains in picturesque Kerala, with comments suggesting it didn’t want to leave "God's own country."
The issues surrounding the $110 million F-35B also sparked discussions in the UK House of Commons, showcasing the significant interest in the unexpected situation surrounding this advanced military aircraft.
After undergoing repairs at the airport’s Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility, the jet was cleared for flight last Monday. It belongs to the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, currently engaged in joint exercises in the region, although officials did not disclose the exact reasons for its flight to Darwin. Updates and images from HMS Prince of Wales revealed the ongoing exercises off Australia’s coast.
Initially, crew engineers attempted repairs but were unsuccessful, leading to the UK Ministry of Defence deploying 14 specialists to further assess and fix the jet. Speculation arose over the possibility of the aircraft being dismantled and transported via cargo plane if repairs failed. The jet’s five-week stay in India even became a humorous topic online, as images surfaced of the F-35B surrounded by monsoon rains in picturesque Kerala, with comments suggesting it didn’t want to leave "God's own country."
The issues surrounding the $110 million F-35B also sparked discussions in the UK House of Commons, showcasing the significant interest in the unexpected situation surrounding this advanced military aircraft.
