A British F-35B fighter jet, forced to make an emergency landing in Kerala, India, in mid-June due to bad weather, has become an unlikely tourism ambassador for the coastal state. The aircraft, originally deployed on the Royal Navy's HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, has been stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport for weeks due to technical issues, despite repair efforts by British engineers.
The incident took a humorous turn when Kerala's tourism department seized the opportunity for some lighthearted promotion. Sharing an illustrated post of the jet with the caption, "Kerala is so amazing, even fighter jets don't want to leave! Highly recommended," the campaign playfully referenced the aircraft's prolonged stay.
The F-35B, one of Britain's most advanced stealth fighters, encountered severe weather during a mission over the Indian Ocean on June 14, prompting its diversion to Kerala. While engineers from the Prince of Wales were dispatched to assess and repair the jet, the complexity of the issues has delayed its return. The UK government confirmed that the aircraft is now housed in an airport maintenance hangar, awaiting further repairs by a specialist British team expected to arrive soon.
The situation has drawn attention not just for its military implications but also for its unexpected cultural crossover. Kerala's tourism board, known for its creative marketing, turned the incident into a viral moment, celebrating the state's appeal, even to high-tech military hardware.
Meanwhile, the Royal Navy remains focused on getting the jet airworthy again, emphasizing that once repaired, it will resume active service. For now, though, the F-35B's extended layover in Kerala continues to amuse locals and social media users alike.
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