British F-35B Fighter Jet Returns to the Skies After Emergency Landing

The British F-35B fighter jet, which made an emergency landing in India over a month ago, has returned to service following extensive maintenance. A UK engineering team completed repairs, and the aircraft has now flown to Darwin, Australia. The UK expressed gratitude for India's support during the repair process.

After more than a month of being grounded due to a technical issue, the British F-35B fighter jet has successfully returned to the skies. The aircraft took off on Tuesday morning from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, bound for Darwin, Australia, following extensive maintenance.

The fighter jet was part of the UK's advanced stealth fleet operating from HMS Prince of Wales. It made an emergency landing on June 14 due to inclement weather and developed further engineering issues while on the ground. The Ministry of Defence's engineering team from the UK was dispatched and, with the assistance of Indian authorities, successfully completed repairs.

A British High Commission official acknowledged India's collaboration in the recovery process and emphasized intentions to strengthen defense partnerships. The jet's departure marks the end of a critical maintenance phase, allowing it to rejoin operations with the Carrier Strike Group.

(With inputs from agencies.)