The F-35B landed on June 14 and was moved to a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility after engineers from the Royal Navy's flagship HMS Prince of Wales were unable to execute repairs. Subsequently, a specialized team of 14 engineers was deployed to India equipped with the necessary tools for the repairs. Speculation had circulated that if repairs were unsuccessful, the aircraft might have to be disassembled for transport aboard a larger cargo plane.
Conversing with the BBC, an airport official confirmed that the plane would be pulled from the hangar on Monday, and preparations for its flight back to the UK are underway. However, details on refueling stops and logistics for technician transport remain unclear. The F-35B, valued at approximately $110 million, generated quite a buzz online, with images of it stranded amid Kerala's monsoon season leading to a flurry of humor on social media.
Additionally, the case of the stranded jet was brought up in the House of Commons, highlighting the challenges of managing high-tech military assets away from home. As this situation draws to a close, the F-35B will soon leave behind the scenic beauty of "God's own country."
Conversing with the BBC, an airport official confirmed that the plane would be pulled from the hangar on Monday, and preparations for its flight back to the UK are underway. However, details on refueling stops and logistics for technician transport remain unclear. The F-35B, valued at approximately $110 million, generated quite a buzz online, with images of it stranded amid Kerala's monsoon season leading to a flurry of humor on social media.
Additionally, the case of the stranded jet was brought up in the House of Commons, highlighting the challenges of managing high-tech military assets away from home. As this situation draws to a close, the F-35B will soon leave behind the scenic beauty of "God's own country."
