The nearly month-long grounding of the British F-35B Lightning II fighter jet at Thiruvananthapuram airport has finally come to a close, marking the end of an unusual geopolitical and social media saga.
The advanced fifth-generation stealth fighter, part of the UK's HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, was forced to make an emergency landing on June 14 due to bad weather and low fuel while operating 100 nautical miles off the Kerala coast. While Indian authorities, especially the Indian Air Force (IAF) and CISF, ensured the jet’s safe landing and security, a hydraulic malfunction detected during takeoff preparations stalled its return.
Despite initial efforts by a Royal Navy technical team, the issue proved too complex for field repairs. It wasn't until a larger team of British technical experts arrived on board an Airbus A400M Atlas on Sunday that significant steps were taken, including moving the jet from its parking bay to a hangar for better inspection and protection — especially important given Kerala's ongoing monsoon season.
The situation, though diplomatically sensitive, sparked a wave of public fascination and internet humor. Over 22 days of being stranded:
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The F-35 was memed as if it had become a "Kerala resident", with internet users joking about it getting an Aadhaar card or joining local WhatsApp groups.
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Bollywood dialogues and dubbed comedy edits flooded social media, imagining the jet’s “reactions” to monsoon rains and being stuck away from home.
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Even Kerala Tourism joined in, posting a cheeky tweet welcoming the fighter jet and making it part of their brand’s witty online voice.
This quirky moment of global military tech meeting regional hospitality and meme culture showcased:
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India’s ability to handle complex international military interactions smoothly and with discretion.
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The soft power of social media, where even an advanced stealth jet became part of viral humor and pop culture.
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And importantly, the mature handling by Indian authorities, ensuring safety, protocol, and cooperation without letting the incident become a political flashpoint.
With the F-35 now secured in a hangar and on its way to recovery, the episode ends as a fascinating blend of aviation, diplomacy, and digital culture — with a uniquely Indian twist.
