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A UK Royal Air Force F-35B fighter jet, grounded in Kerala since June 14 due to technical issues, has finally departed from Thiruvananthapuram airport, ending its extended stay in India.
UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Finally Departs Thiruvananthapuram After Over a Month of Groundingn Royal Air Force’s Stealth Jet Had Made an Emergency Landing in Kerala on June 14
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — After being grounded for more than a month at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, a United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet finally departed Kerala on Monday, bringing to an end an unusual episode involving one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
The fifth-generation stealth aircraft, which is part of the UK’s elite fighter fleet, had made an unplanned landing at the airport on June 14 due to unspecified technical issues. The incident had caught the attention of both aviation enthusiasts and defense analysts, as it is extremely rare for such a high-tech aircraft to be grounded for so long on foreign soil. Technical Issues Grounded the Jet
According to airport sources and defense officials, the F-35B had encountered a technical fault while it was en route as part of a larger international deployment. The aircraft had to make an emergency diversion and landed safely at Thiruvananthapuram, where it was parked in a secure area of the airport.
Following the landing, RAF engineers and technicians were flown in from the UK to assess and repair the jet. Spare parts and technical support were also brought in over the next few weeks. Airport authorities confirmed that the aircraft underwent several rounds of checks and software diagnostics before it was cleared for takeoff.
“The repair process took longer than initially expected due to the complexity of the aircraft’s systems and the need for certain components to be shipped from the UK,” a senior airport official said.Heavy Security and Restricted Access
Given the sensitive nature of the aircraft, access to the jet was highly restricted. The F-35B is a state-of-the-art stealth fighter known for its radar-evading design, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities, and advanced sensor fusion technology.
Security around the aircraft was ramped up throughout its stay in Kerala, with both Indian and British personnel maintaining a close watch. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and local police ensured that the designated area of the airport remained off-limits to unauthorized personnel. British defense staff were seen regularly monitoring the jet and overseeing its maintenance procedures.
“This was not just any aircraft. The F-35B represents top-tier aviation technology, and both governments treated its presence here with the utmost seriousness,” a local defense analyst commented.Departure After 38 Days
After nearly 38 days on the ground, the F-35B finally took off on Monday morning under tight security. Officials from the British High Commission, Indian aviation authorities, and airport staff coordinated closely to ensure a smooth and safe departure. Sources reported that all systems on the aircraft were operating normally and that it had received full clearance from RAF command.
The flight path of the departing aircraft was not disclosed for operational security reasons, but it is believed to have resumed its deployment route or returned to a base for further inspection.Significance and Diplomacy
The incident, while largely technical in nature, also served as a testament to the strong defense and diplomatic ties between India and the United Kingdom. Officials from both countries reportedly stayed in regular communication to manage the situation and ensure that protocols were followed.
“The coordination between Indian and British agencies was seamless. It reflects the mutual respect and cooperation that both nations share in matters of defense and security,” an official from the British High Commission said.Public Curiosity and Spotting Interest
The unexpected presence of an F-35B fighter jet at a civilian airport in Kerala sparked significant public interest. While strict security prevented close viewing, aviation spotters and enthusiasts gathered near the airport perimeter hoping to catch a glimpse of the aircraft during its takeoff.
Social media platforms were abuzz with photos and videos taken from afar, with many users expressing amazement at seeing such an advanced fighter jet on Indian soil.
The departure of the UK’s F-35B from Thiruvananthapuram marks the end of a rare episode in international military aviation. While the circumstances surrounding the emergency landing remain largely undisclosed, the smooth handling of the situation has been widely viewed as an example of effective international cooperation and crisis management.
