It landed with a thud, but stayed on like a star. The $109-million F-35B stealth fighter jet that made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on June 14 has now become an unexpected social media sensation in Kerala—and arguably across India.
The jet, part of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group, had taken off from HMS Prince of Wales for a training sortie when it was forced to land due to a technical snag. Weeks later, the fifth-gen Lockheed Martin-built warplane remains grounded under watch, awaiting salvation from a UK technical team flying in on Saturday. If repairs fail, it may have to be dismantled and shipped home.
But while defence officials work through logistics, India’s internet has adopted the F-35B as one of its own.
Meme-makers have christened it “F35 B Nair”—complete with an Aadhaar card—and imagined it living its best life in God’s Own Country. From sipping toddy at a chayakkada to posing in mundu during Onam, this high-tech aircraft has been Kerala-fied in every possible way.
Bollywood actor Johnny Lever appears in a meme trying to jumpstart the plane. In another, union workers insist the aircraft must pay “nokkukooli” before taking off. A classic dig.
Brands joined the fun too. Kerala Tourism cheekily claimed the plane loved the state so much, it refused to leave. Milma showed a relaxed British pilot sipping ‘Jooy’ milkshake. Even the Kerala Curry House in Manchester pleaded: “Come home, we’ve got Kerala flavours here too!”
And yes, there’s Mohanlal and Shobhana from Vellanakalude Naadu, inserted into the tarmac drama. As for Kuthiravattom Pappu? He wants his cheriya spanner, of course.
While the jet waits silently for repairs, it’s already flown straight into the heart of Indian pop culture.
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