Long-term parking comes to an end as stranded F-35B jet finally leaves India

An F-35B that had to divert to India from HMS Prince of Wales has finally taken off after being stranded in Kerala for the past five weeks.

The Lightning had been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in the southwestern state since landing there following an emergency diversion.

But UK Defence in India said the F-35B had now departed following the completion of repairs and safety checks.

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It said the jet would be resuming active service, adding in a post on X: "We are grateful for all the support from the Indian authorities."

BFBS Forces News understands the fifth-generation stealth jet will be heading to Australia to join the other 617 Squadron F-35Bs on board the carrier.

HMS Prince of Wales is leading the eight-month Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment to the Indo-Pacific, known as Operation Highmast.

CSG25 is currently engaged in Talisman Sabre, the largest exercise ever staged in and around Australia.

But with a distance of more than 4,000 miles to travel, it is unclear whether the newly repaired F-35B will join the rest of the squadron and play an active role in the three-week exercise.

While stuck in Thiruvananthapuram, the jet spent most of its time outdoors where it was guarded by members of India's Central Industrial Security Force.

It was eventually brought into a hangar so an engineering team sent from the UK could carry out a full assessment and carry out the necessary repairs.

There had been concerns about India – or anyone else – getting a look at the technology, because, while India does have a strong relationship with the UK, it also has close ties with Russia.

The aircraft had been stuck there so long that the local tourist board even poked fun at the aircraft's predicament.

"Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave," the tourist board said in a post on X with an image of the F-35B on the Tarmac in front of some palm trees.

That sentiment seemed to be reflected by one person who commented on the UK Defence in India post.

"We will miss her! Would be lovely if she visits annually lol," they posted.

For more reports about Carrier Strike Group 25, click here.