A high-tech F-35B stealth fighter jet from the British Royal Navy has been unexpectedly grounded at India’s Thiruvananthapuram Airport for nearly three weeks, drawing both international attention and waves of internet memes.
The incident began on 14 June, when the aircraft—diverted due to bad weather—landed safely but later developed a technical malfunction that rendered it unable to return to its host, HMS Prince of Wales. Despite multiple on-site assessments by Royal Navy engineers, the jet remains immobile, awaiting further repair support from the UK.
In a statement to the BBC, the British High Commission confirmed that the F-35B will be moved to the airport’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, where it will be serviced once UK technicians and specialized tools arrive. The aim is to resume operations with minimal disruption to airport activity and ensure aircraft security and system integrity.
The grounded jet, valued at approximately $110 million, is under 24/7 guard by RAF personnel, reflecting the sensitivity surrounding its advanced technology and capabilities. Built by Lockheed Martin, the F-35B is renowned for its stealth, short take-off, and vertical landing abilities—traits that have made it one of the most sought-after assets in modern air combat.
Strategic Implications and Growing Concerns
Dr. Sameer Patil, a security expert from the Observer Research Foundation, suggests that the UK has two primary recovery options: repair the aircraft on-site or transport it back via a large military cargo plane like the C-17 Globemaster. But with each passing day, the issue is evolving from a technical hiccup into a diplomatic and public relations concern.
The matter has even reached the House of Commons, where Conservative MP Ben Obese-Jecty raised concerns over the protection of the jet’s sensitive systems and requested transparency about recovery plans and timelines. In response, UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard assured Parliament that the aircraft remains under tight British control and praised India’s cooperation during the incident.
A Jet Turned Meme
While military circles treat the matter seriously, Indian social media has taken a more lighthearted view. Images of the jet, drenched in Kerala’s monsoon rains and parked alone on the runway, have gone viral. Some users joked that the aircraft had been listed online for a mere $4 million, complete with satirical features like “automatic parking” and a “built-in gun for traffic violators.”
Others suggested that the jet had been in India long enough to apply for citizenship, or even demanded Kohinoor as overdue rent. Kerala’s tourism department added its own twist, posting a photo with the tagline: “Kerala – the destination you’ll never want to leave.”
A Test of Preparedness?
According to Dr. Patil, the extended delay and public spectacle are damaging to the Royal Navy’s image. He notes that modern militaries generally have standard operating procedures for dealing with such incidents abroad, and questions why the Royal Navy has taken so long to resolve the issue.
“If this had happened in hostile territory,” he asks, “would the response have been this delayed?”
The longer the jet stays stranded, the more the narrative slips from technical misfortune to perceived unpreparedness—a potentially costly image problem for one of the world’s most respected naval forces.
