05/07/2025
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05/07/2025
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British F-35 stealth fighter
Thiruvananthapuram, India, July 5: A British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jet remains grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, drawing attention not only for its unexpected landing but also for the Kerala Tourism Department’s witty social media response.
The advanced fighter, valued at over $110 million, made an emergency landing on June 14 after experiencing low fuel levels. Inclement weather prevented it from returning to the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, stationed approximately 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. Shortly after landing, the aircraft reportedly developed a hydraulic failure, rendering it unable to take off.
In a tongue-in-cheek social media post on platform X, Kerala Tourism embraced the incident to promote the state’s appeal. Sharing a mock “review” from the jet itself, the department wrote:
“Kerala, the destination you’ll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.” The fictional review added: “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend.”
Social Media Joins the Fun
The post quickly gained traction online, prompting a wave of humorous responses.
One user joked, “Now it refuses to start without coconut oil,” while another quipped, “Give it parotta and thattukada fried chicken, it will never go back.”
Others played along, with comments like “F-35, how much is a one-way ticket?” and “From the Portuguese to now, the legacy continues.”
Repair Efforts Underway
According to a PTI report on June 27, a team of UK aviation engineers is en route to Kerala with specialized equipment to conduct repairs on the aircraft.
A British High Commission spokesperson confirmed that the jet would be moved to a hangar upon the team’s arrival to minimize disruptions at the airport.
“The aircraft will resume active service following repairs and safety checks,” the spokesperson said. “Ground teams continue to work closely with Indian authorities to ensure all safety and security protocols are maintained. We extend our gratitude to Indian officials and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for their ongoing support.”
About the F-35B Lightning II
The F-35B, known as the “Lightning” in British service, is a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter. Designed to operate from aircraft carriers and short runways, it is a key component of the UK’s maritime and expeditionary air power.
As engineers prepare to bring the aircraft back to operational readiness, the incident has unexpectedly offered a PR moment for Kerala — and a reminder that even state-of-the-art machines aren’t immune to the charms of “God’s Own Country.”