Thiruvananthapuram/Kochi: The advanced F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet, which had been stranded at an airport in Kerala for the past five weeks, has finally taken off after undergoing critical repairs.
The US-origin fifth-generation fighter, operated by a foreign military (reportedly the UK Royal Navy), had landed unexpectedly in Kerala in mid-June due to a hydraulic system malfunction. The aircraft remained grounded as it required highly specialized repair work that could only be performed by a certified team.
An expert technical team from the United Kingdom was flown in to assess and resolve the fault. After weeks of logistical coordination and component replacement, the aircraft was declared airworthy and successfully took off this week.
The F-35B variant, known for its short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, is among the most sophisticated fighter jets in the world. It is rarely seen on Indian soil, making its prolonged stay in Kerala a matter of keen interest for aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts alike.
Authorities confirmed that all clearances from Indian aviation and defense bodies were obtained before the fighter’s departure.
The incident highlighted the complexity of operating advanced stealth platforms and the global collaboration often required to keep such aircraft mission-ready.
