
The British Royal Navy’s F-35B Lightning stealth fighter jet that made an emergency landing in Kerala on June 14 finally lifted off from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on July 22 after being grounded for more than five weeks. The jet took off at 10.50 am and is headed to Darwin, Australia.
Airport officials said the aircraft had been parked at the hangar since its sudden landing last month, reportedly caused by a suspected hydraulic failure.
The aircraft belongs to the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, which was operating in the Indo-Pacific during June. The fighter was reportedly on a routine sortie over the Arabian Sea when it encountered rough weather and was unable to return to the aircraft carrier. The pilot diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, where the jet landed safely.
Airport sources said the emergency landing was linked to issues with the jet’s hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit. These problems have now been fixed.
A spokesperson for the British High Commission confirmed the departure and said the repairs and safety checks were completed by a team of engineers from the UK who had been stationed in Thiruvananthapuram since July 6.
While thanking Indian authorities for their cooperation throughout the repair and recovery efforts, the UK side said it looks forward to further strengthening defence ties with India. The British High Commission also noted the collaboration between Indian airport teams and the UK defence crew, calling it “essential” for ensuring the jet could resume active service.
The F-35B is widely regarded as the most expensive fighter jet in the world, with a reported price tag of around $110 million. It is a fifth-generation stealth fighter known for its short take-off and vertical landing capabilities. The aircraft is also equipped with advanced radar-evading technologies and is part of the UK’s most sophisticated fleet.