The British F-35B fighter jet that became a viral sensation during its prolonged stay in India due to a technical snag has finally taken off for Darwin. The aircraft's time in Kerala led to jokes about its inability to leave and raised questions about modern aviation reliability.**
Meme-Celebrated UK Fighter Jet Finally Takes Off from India After Extended Stay**
Meme-Celebrated UK Fighter Jet Finally Takes Off from India After Extended Stay**
After over five weeks of repairs and memes, the F-35B fighter jet has departed from Thiruvananthapuram, India, for Australia.**
The F-35B, a state-of-the-art British fighter jet that captured the internet's attention with a series of memes during its unplanned stay at Thiruvananthapuram airport, has finally departed for Darwin, Australia, after completing necessary repairs. This aircraft, known for its stealth capabilities and advanced engineering, originally landed in India on June 14 after encountering severe weather during a mission in the Indian Ocean.
The technical issues that prolonged its stay ignited curiosity and speculation about the logistical challenges faced by modern military aircraft. After five weeks of being stranded, the British High Commission announced on Tuesday morning that a team of engineers had successfully completed the repairs and safety evaluations needed to allow the F-35B to return to service.
The aircraft, part of the fleet of HMS Prince of Wales, did not have a clear flight objective revealed upon its departure, though it is presumed to be headed back to join operations related to the Royal Navy's flagship carrier, which has been conducting exercises off the Australian coast.
During its unexpected layover, the F-35B also became a subject of humorous commentary from the public. Its prolonged presence inspired a multitude of creative memes, including one that humorously suggested it had been put up for sale online at an amusingly low price, complete with exaggerated features. Social media posts joked about the jet being worthy of Indian citizenship after its extended stay, and the Kerala government's tourism department playfully chimed in, emphasizing the appeal of their scenic location.
As the F-35B departed, users on social media humorously bid it farewell, noting that it had spent more than a month enjoying the beauty of "God's Own Country."
