F-35 Fighter Jet Stuck in India for Over a Month Finally Takes Off After Viral Memes

A British F-35B fighter jet, which had been stuck at an Indian airport for over a month, finally took off on Tuesday after a successful repair by a team of U.K. engineers, as confirmed by an Indian official. The advanced stealth fighter, valued at approximately $115 million, had been grounded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala due to technical difficulties, including hydraulic issues and problems with its auxiliary power unit.

According to the official, who wished to remain anonymous, the aircraft is now set to fly to a British aircraft carrier in Darwin, Australia. Responses from the British High Commission and the U.K.’s Ministry of Defense were not immediately available.

The F-35B was initially on a routine mission in the Arabian Sea when it encountered adverse weather conditions in June, making it unable to return to the HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier. Consequently, the aircraft diverted to Thiruvananthapuram and landed safely on June 14.

During its time on the ground, the stranded jet garnered attention online, generating a flurry of memes and cartoons in India. A post by Kerala’s tourism department humorously featured the plane surrounded by palm trees and included a fictitious five-star review that read, “Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave.

Definitely recommend.” K. Biju, the tourism department’s top official, stated that creating the post was meant to show appreciation for British visitors, who are among the largest inbound tourism groups in Kerala.

Another cartoon circulating on social media depicted the aircraft enjoying snacks with locals against a beautiful backdrop. Amid the jet’s prolonged stay, there were rumors that it could be partially dismantled and shipped back to the U.K. if repairs were not feasible, but the Ministry of Defense put those speculations to rest.