A British F-35B fighter jet that garnered local celebrity status during its extended stay in India has taken flight, marking the end of a mechanical saga that drew both humor and admiration from residents.
Celebrity Jet: British F-35B Leaves India After Prolonged Stay

Celebrity Jet: British F-35B Leaves India After Prolonged Stay
A stranded British F-35B fighter jet finally departs from India after weeks of local fascination and repair efforts.
In mid-June, the fighter jet's journey was interrupted when it encountered bad weather while en route to its carrier in the Arabian Sea. The aircraft, which holds a value of over $100 million and is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, made an unscheduled landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in Kerala. Following weeks of repairs initiated by a team of British engineers, the jet's hydraulic and auxiliary power system issues were fixed, allowing for its return to active service.
The British High Commission in New Delhi confirmed that, under tight security due to the aircraft’s advanced technology, the jet was finally ready for departure to Darwin, Australia. Over the course of its stay, local citizens, including the tourism department, developed a light-hearted relationship with the aircraft, evident through social media posts and memes, depicting sentiments such as "Bye, bro," and friendly pleas for its return.
Amidst the public's whimsical farewells and the engineering team's efforts, the F-35B's episode highlighted not only the complexities of military aviation logistics but also the unexpected ways in which technology intersects with local culture.
The British High Commission in New Delhi confirmed that, under tight security due to the aircraft’s advanced technology, the jet was finally ready for departure to Darwin, Australia. Over the course of its stay, local citizens, including the tourism department, developed a light-hearted relationship with the aircraft, evident through social media posts and memes, depicting sentiments such as "Bye, bro," and friendly pleas for its return.
Amidst the public's whimsical farewells and the engineering team's efforts, the F-35B's episode highlighted not only the complexities of military aviation logistics but also the unexpected ways in which technology intersects with local culture.