Daijiworld Media Network - Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 21: After over a month of being grounded, the British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet stationed at the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport since June 14 is finally ready to take to the skies again. The high-tech stealth aircraft is slated to fly out on Tuesday, following extensive repairs and final clearances.

The fifth-generation combat jet — known for its short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities — had been en route back from joint Indo-Pacific naval drills with the Indian Navy when it was forced to make an emergency landing in Kerala’s capital due to a critical hydraulic system failure.

A second team of 14 elite engineers from the UK and the US, including experts from the British Royal Navy and Lockheed Martin, arrived earlier this month and worked meticulously to bring the jet back to full operational status. After rigorous examination and testing, final clearance for take-off was granted by the UK authorities.

While the exact destination remains classified — the jet may rejoin the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group or fly directly to the UK — preparations for its departure are already underway. The engineering team is expected to depart on Monday evening aboard a special aircraft.

The grounded aircraft had sparked widespread curiosity and humor across social media, turning into an unlikely internet sensation. Memes and spoof reviews flooded timelines, with even Kerala Tourism joining the fun. In a cheeky post on X, it quipped:

“Kerala, the destination you will never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.”

The post featured a mock endorsement from the stranded jet: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.”

Now, with all technical issues resolved and a bit of unintended publicity under its wings, the "special visitor" is set to soar once more — bringing a quirky chapter in Kerala’s aviation history to a close.