WATCH: UK’s F-35B Fighter Jet Takes Off From Thiruvananthapuram After Over A Month On Ground

A British F-35B fighter jet, grounded in Thiruvananthapuram since June 14 due to hydraulic failure, has been repaired and cleared for departure.

After being grounded for more than a month, a British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is finally cleared for departure. The stealth aircraft, part of the Royal Navy’s Carrier Strike Group on board HMS Prince of Wales, which landed on June 14 will take off on Tuesday following extensive repairs.

British F-35B Jet Takes Off

The aircraft was grounded after it reportedly encountered a critical hydraulic system failure mid-flight. With fuel levels dropping rapidly and adverse weather closing in, the pilot diverted to Thiruvananthapuram—an airfield designated for emergency recovery—where the Indian Air Force swiftly stepped in to assist.

 

 

'Looking Forward To Continue To Stengthen Ties With India': British High Commission

"A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on June 14, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. A UK engineering team, deployed since July 06 completed the repairs and safety checks, allowing the aircraft to resume active service," a British High Commission spokesperson said, as per a report on PTI.

"We look forward to continuing to strengthen our defence partnership with India," the statement said.

Although the jet’s onboard crew attempted initial repairs, they were unable to resolve the issue. The UK subsequently dispatched a 21-member engineering team that landed on July 6. The fighter jet was moved to the Air India engineering hangar, where repairs were carried out over a period of nearly two weeks.

British officials have expressed gratitude to Indian authorities, including the Indian Air Force and airport personnel, for their seamless coordination and support during the aircraft’s extended stay.