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RAF F-35B fighter jet takes off after repairs in India

An RAF F-35B fighter jet has successfully departed from Kerala after month-long repairs due to technical issues.

July 22, 2025 at 09:49 AM

Stranded UK F-35 fighter jet leaves India after triggering barrage of memes

A stranded RAF F-35B jet repaired in India has resumed its journey, sparking online amusement.

RAF F-35B fighter jet resumes flight after month in India

An RAF F-35B fighter jet, which had been grounded for over a month at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala, India, has taken off after being repaired by UK engineers. The fighter jet faced technical issues, specifically with its hydraulic system and auxiliary power unit. Originally, the jet was on a routine mission in the Arabian Sea in June when it was diverted due to adverse weather and could not return to HMS Prince of Wales. The repair efforts began on July 6, allowing the jet to resume active duty and head to a UK aircraft carrier in Australia.

Key Takeaways

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An RAF F-35B spent over a month grounded in India due to technical issues.

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The aircraft faced hydraulic and auxiliary power problems before repairs were completed.

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Social media exploded with humorous memes related to the jet's stay in Kerala.

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Kerala’s tourism department even joined in with a playful social media post.

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The UK government thanked Indian officials for their assistance throughout the situation.

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This incident highlights both military resilience and the power of internet humor.

"A UK F-35B aircraft, which landed following an emergency diversion on 14 June, departed today from Thiruvananthapuram International Airport."

This quote confirms the successful repair and departure of the jet, highlighting the milestones of the incident.

"It was our way to appreciate and thank the Brits who are the biggest inbound visitors to Kerala for tourism."

A Kerala tourism official explains the humorous social media post aimed at British visitors.

The saga of the F-35B fighter jet not only demonstrates the complexities of military logistics but also highlights how such incidents can quickly become fodder for humor on social media. The multitude of memes created during its grounding showcases a light-hearted public reception to a potentially serious situation. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of international cooperation, as emphasized by the appreciation from UK officials towards Indian authorities during the maintenance process. This incident may also affect perceptions of both the British military capabilities and the tourism industry in Kerala.

Highlights

"Kerala is such an amazing place, I don’t want to leave!"
"The best squadron is the one that knows how to laugh at itself."
"International cooperation also means sharing a laugh from time to time."
"A jet grounded for repairs becomes a tourist attraction on social media."

Political sensitivity over military incidents

The grounding of a military aircraft in a foreign country raises concerns about international relations and defense capabilities. Such incidents can lead to scrutiny of military operations and resource management, potentially affecting public perception of the UK's military reliability.

The F-35's journey reflects both challenges and unexpected moments of shared laughter on a global stage.

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f35 military defense india kerala defense politics humor

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