After remaining grounded at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for more than a month, the British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet is now ready to fly again on Tuesday. The aircraft, known for its cutting-edge short take off and vertical landing (STOVL) abilities, has undergone extensive repairs after a technical glitch forced it to land on June 14.
A team of aviation specialists from the UK and the US, including experts from the British Royal Navy and Lockheed Martin, was flown in to assess and repair the fifth-generation jet. The malfunction was traced to a fault in the hydraulic system, which initially resisted efforts to restore it. However, a second, more specialized 14 member team managed to bring the aircraft back to operational condition.
The jet was returning from joint maritime exercises with the Indian Navy in the Indo-Pacific as part of the UK&rsquo;s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group when it experienced the issue mid-flight, prompting an emergency landing in Kerala&rsquo;s capital.
After rigorous checks and final safety clearance from UK defence authorities, the aircraft is now deemed fully airworthy. While officials have not disclosed its exact destination, it's speculated the jet will either return to the HMS Prince of Wales or fly directly back to the UK.
The presence of this advanced stealth jet in Kerala sparked widespread attention online. From memes to tourism campaigns, the unusual visitor became an unexpected social media phenomenon. Kerala Tourism even joined the fun, posting on X: &ldquo;Kerala, the destination you will never want to leave,&rdquo; with a cheeky reference to the jet&rsquo;s prolonged stay.
As the F-35B finally prepares for takeoff, it leaves behind not just a repaired runway, but a trail of viral moments and headlines.

Stranded UK Fighter Jet Ready to Fly Again

Grounded since June 14 in Kerala, UK's F-35B fighter jet finally set to take off Tuesday

Stranded UK Fighter Jet Ready to Fly Again

Grounded since June 14 in Kerala, UK's F-35B fighter jet finally set to take off Tuesday

July 21, 2025 | 18:22 IST