The British F-35B stealth fighter jet that had been stranded at Kerala's Trivandrum Airport for 22 days was finally relocated on Sunday. This aircraft had been stuck there since making an emergency landing on June 14. After a technical review by a team of specialists from the British Royal Air Force's Airbus A400M Atlas, the jet was shifted to a hangar.
Part of the HMS Prince of Wales carrier group, the British F-35B jet was conducting maritime exercises roughly 100 nautical miles off Kerala's coast. Due to bad weather and fuel depletion, it made an emergency landing at Trivandrum Airport.
During the landing, the Indian Air Force provided fuel and logistical support, but when preparations were being made to return the aircraft, a hydraulic failure was discovered, potentially dangerous for both take-off and landing.
Why Did the British Team Agree to Move the Jet to a Hangar?
A small team from the British Navy attempted repairs on the plane but were unsuccessful due to technical complexities. Initially, the British team declined Air India's offer to house the jet in a hangar, but they later accepted due to the impending monsoon rains.
Memes Surrounding the F-35B Jet
Meanwhile, the F-35B jet became fodder for jokes and memes on social media. People on X included references such as 'Aadhar card' and popular Bollywood dialogues. Even Kerala Tourism humorously engaged with a witty post. Now that the jet has been moved, it remains to be seen how soon the British technical team can render it flightworthy to return it to the HMS Prince of Wales.
What's the Price of This Fighter Jet?
The F-35B Lightning is the world’s most advanced fifth-generation fighter jet, valued at approximately 110 million dollars (around 915 crore rupees). It is equipped with STOVL (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing) capabilities, allowing it to operate from small decks or bases with limited space.
