A cutting-edge British fighter jet that garnered internet fame during its over five-week stay in India has finally taken flight after undergoing repairs. The F-35B, which had been stuck at Thiruvananthapuram airport since June 14 due to bad weather and subsequent technical issues, is now on its way to Darwin, Australia, confirmed airport officials.
The British High Commission announced on Tuesday morning that the aircraft is airborne once again, following a repair job executed by a specialized engineering team that was deployed to the airport on July 6. The F-35B was part of the fleet aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, although the reasons for its trip to Darwin remain unclear. However, it's likely connected to the Royal Navy’s ongoing exercises in the region, which HMS Prince of Wales has been actively sharing updates about.
The incident highlighted questions about the operational effectiveness of advanced military hardware when faced with unexpectedly prolonged repairs. Earlier this month, UK officials confirmed the dispatch of 14 engineers to diagnose and restore the aircraft when initial repair attempts failed.
As the F-35B remained in India, it attracted significant media attention and generated a slew of memes due to its status as a “lost jet” amidst the scenic backdrop of Kerala’s monsoon rains. Many social media posts humorously speculated about the jet's future, with one suggesting it was up for sale at a drastically reduced price.
Joining in on the fun, the Kerala tourism board referenced the aircraft's lengthy stay in a cheeky social media post that stressed how many visitors to the state seemingly could not bear to leave its picturesque environment. Posts flooded the platform, bidding farewell to the aircraft as it took off, with users joking about its “extended holiday” in India.
The bizarre saga of the F-35B highlights not only the challenges of modern military aviation but also the captivating way in which social media can turn a serious situation into a humorous cultural phenomenon.
