A British F-35B stealth fighter jet, which had remained grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala for more than a month due to a critical hydraulic failure, has finally departed for the United Kingdom.

The high-tech jet, one of the world’s most advanced and expensive military aircraft, had landed unexpectedly on June 14, 2025, after being diverted from the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales, amid inclement weather and low fuel levels.

The aircraft’s landing in India was unplanned and sparked significant attention after it was discovered that the jet had suffered a hydraulic malfunction.

The fault impacted crucial systems such as the landing gear, brakes, and control surfaces, rendering the aircraft unfit for immediate take-off.

For weeks, British engineers worked on the ground in Kerala to assess and repair the damage.

Initially stationed in the open at the airport and later moved into a hangar, the stealth jet drew widespread curiosity among locals and international aviation enthusiasts. The jet’s prolonged stay even inspired a light-hearted response from Kerala’s tourism department, which launched a playful campaign thanking the UK for the "visit" and capitalizing on the unexpected publicity.

There were growing concerns during the early stages of the repair effort that the F-35B might need to be disassembled and transported back to the UK via a cargo aircraft.

However, on July 6, 2025, a Royal Air Force team arrived with spare parts and equipment aboard an Airbus A400M Atlas, significantly advancing the repair process and ultimately making the aircraft airworthy again.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is a fifth-generation stealth fighter valued at over USD 115 million. It features cutting-edge technology for short take-offs and vertical landings and serves as a key asset in NATO’s aerial capabilities.

With the completion of repairs and clearance for flight, the jet has now resumed its journey, marking the end of a unique and widely watched chapter in India-UK military aviation interactions.

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