'I don’t want to leave': How the stranded British F-35 became Kerala’s tourism mascot

While the F-35 remains grounded for now, efforts are underway to get it airborne again.

The Royal Navy’s F-35 stealth aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the Thiruvananthapuram airport on June 14, after developing a technical snag while flying over the Arabian Sea. The aircraft has remained grounded ever since, despite repair efforts and support offers from Indian defence authorities.

But what began as a serious military situation has unexpectedly turned into one of Kerala Tourism’s most talked-about campaigns in years.

An AI-generated image showing the F-35 parked on the tarmac, surrounded by coconut trees and blue skies, went viral after it was shared by Kerala Tourism on social media this week. In the image, the jet gives Kerala five stars and cheekily says: “I don’t want to leave. Definitely recommend.”

Kerala, the destination you'll never want to leave. Thank you, The Fauxy.#F35#Trivandrum#KeralaTourismpic.twitter.com/3lei66a5T2

— Kerala Tourism (@KeralaTourism) July 2, 2025

“This was part of our tourism campaign. It has been one of the most innovative and eye-catching ones... It’s all in good humour and creativity,” Kerala Tourism Secretary Biju K. told Reuters.

A meme with wings

The image was originally created by Indian satire website The Fauxy, but Kerala’s tourism department embraced the humour and shared it as part of its ongoing digital promotion drive.

“Though tourism is under the government, it has moved out of government space in promoting the destination,” Roy Mathew, director of Stark Communications, Kerala Tourism’s brand agency, told Reuters.

The quirky campaign has quickly gained traction, adding to the state’s vibrant digital storytelling reputation. Kerala, which drew 22.2 million tourists in 2023, continues to market itself as a must-visit destination under the tagline ‘God’s Own Country’.

The jet’s extended stay

While the F-35 remains grounded for now, efforts are underway to get it airborne again.

The Indian Air Force has offered assistance in repairs, and the UK government has accepted a proposal to move the aircraft to the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Thiruvananthapuram airport.

A British High Commission spokesperson told Reuters that specialist engineering teams from the UK are expected to arrive soon with the equipment needed to shift the jet into the hangar and begin repairs.

UK Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard, addressing Parliament this week, confirmed that Royal Air Force personnel are already in Thiruvananthapuram, coordinating with Indian counterparts on the matter.