F-35B Fighter Aircraft Departs India After Repairs
The F-35B fighter jet's departure from India marks the end of a five-week stay, during which a UK engineering team worked to repair the aircraft's technical issues, including hydraulic problems and issues with its auxiliary power unit, allowing it to resume its journey to Australia and rejoin the HMS Prince of Wales fleet.
A British F-35B fighter jet, stranded at Thiruvananthapuram airport in India for over five weeks, has finally departed after repairs, resuming its active service and heading to Darwin, Australia, to join the Royal Navy's flagship carrier for joint exercises.
The jet, part of the HMS Prince of Wales fleet, developed a technical snag on June 14 and was unable to return, sparking curiosity and raising questions about its prolonged stay in India. A UK engineering team completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to take off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 22.
The incident gained significant attention on social media, with memes and jokes circulating about the jet's extended stay in Kerala, India. The Kerala tourism department even posted a humorous review, saying the plane "didn't want to leave". The UK expressed gratitude to Indian authorities for their support in repairing and recovering the aircraft, highlighting the strong defence partnership between the two countries.
The successful repair and departure of the F-35B fighter jet demonstrate the effectiveness of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing technical issues and ensuring the safe operation of military aircraft. The UK's commitment to strengthening its defence partnership with India is expected to further enhance bilateral relations and cooperation in the future.