The F-35B, part of the UK’s fleet and associated with HMS Prince of Wales, made its unplanned landing on June 14 due to inclement weather before encountering a technical issue. This unexpected situation turned into a public curiosity as it remained in India, prompting the UK Ministry of Defence to send a specialized engineering team to ensure it was fully repaired.
The British High Commission confirmed that the aircraft was airborne and heading to Darwin in Australia. Speculations had arisen about the aircraft possibly needing to be transported by cargo plane if repairs were unsuccessful. However, the engineers were able to address the issues, allowing the stealth jet to resume its service.
During its stay in Kerala, the F-35B was humorously referred to in memes and social media posts, with one particularly notable post advertising the jet for a mere $4 million, citing its "new battery" and "automatic gun to destroy traffic violators." Kerala's tourism department also joined in the lighthearted banter, posting an AI-generated image of the jet positioned amidst palm trees, paralleling its reluctance to leave with that of many tourists.
As of now, the F-35B is en route to join its fleet as part of ongoing joint exercises off the coast of Australia, closing a bizarre chapter in its operational history.
The British High Commission confirmed that the aircraft was airborne and heading to Darwin in Australia. Speculations had arisen about the aircraft possibly needing to be transported by cargo plane if repairs were unsuccessful. However, the engineers were able to address the issues, allowing the stealth jet to resume its service.
During its stay in Kerala, the F-35B was humorously referred to in memes and social media posts, with one particularly notable post advertising the jet for a mere $4 million, citing its "new battery" and "automatic gun to destroy traffic violators." Kerala's tourism department also joined in the lighthearted banter, posting an AI-generated image of the jet positioned amidst palm trees, paralleling its reluctance to leave with that of many tourists.
As of now, the F-35B is en route to join its fleet as part of ongoing joint exercises off the coast of Australia, closing a bizarre chapter in its operational history.
