The advanced stealth jet landed on 14 June after being diverted due to poor weather during a mission over the Indian Ocean. Soon after landing, the jet developed a technical issue that left it stranded.
Repair Efforts Took Weeks and Specialist Support
The F-35B, part of the fleet aboard the UK Royal Navy's aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, attracted attention and speculation for its extended stay in India. Initial repair efforts by Royal Navy engineers proved unsuccessful. About two weeks ago, the UK Ministry of Defence sent a team of 14 engineers to assess and repair the aircraft. The team arrived with specialist tools needed to resolve the problem and restore the aircraft's airworthiness.
There were earlier reports suggesting that, if unrepairable, the jet might need to be dismantled and flown back on a large military transport plane like a C-17 Globemaster. However, these measures were ultimately avoided as the jet was successfully fixed on site.
Although the UK authorities have refrained from releasing specific details about the nature of the fault or repair process, the airport has confirmed that the F-35B is ready for flight. The exact departure time and refuelling locations on its way to London remain undisclosed. It's also unclear when the backup aircraft will arrive to retrieve the engineers and equipment.
F-35B's Kerala Stay Captured the Public Imagination
Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is one of the world's most advanced jets, known for its stealth, short take-off, and vertical landing capabilities. The aircraft's unexpected and prolonged presence in Kerala captured the imagination of many, with images of the jet parked on the monsoon-soaked tarmac circulating widely on social media. Some jokingly suggested that the fighter jet had grown fond of the scenic surroundings of Kerala, famously marketed as "God's own country."
The situation even reached the House of Commons in the UK, where concerns were raised over the delay and the jet's prolonged stay in India. Valued at approximately $110 million (or £80 million), the jet's time in Kerala became both a technical and diplomatic curiosity.
With the repairs completed, the F-35B is now preparing to return to its home base, marking the end of an unusual chapter in modern military aviation.
