False Claim: British F-35 emergency landing in Kerala misrepresented with Colonial Narrative

Fact Check en Featured

A Pakistan-based account alleged that a British F-35 fighter jet landed in Kerala, India, requested fuel, and was “given a chair” instead, implying it was treated with colonial-era deference. The post described the incident as a humiliation for India, referencing the British Raj and saying, “Mission done. Servant dismissed. Wheels up. Welcome back to 1947, Delhi.”

British F-35 lands in Kerala, refuels without exit. “Servant dismissed. Wheels up. Welcome back to 1947, Delhi.” Sparks outrage.

Fact Check

The claim was found to be misleading and distorted. According to an official statement by the Indian Air Force (IAF), a Royal Navy British F-35 fighter made an emergency landing at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport on the night of 14 June 2025. The aircraft was operating from the UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and was conducting routine flying operations outside India’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), with Thiruvananthapuram pre-designated as an emergency recovery airfield. Upon declaring an emergency, the aircraft was detected and identified by the Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and was cleared for recovery. The IAF confirmed it is providing full support, including technical assistance, for the rectification and safe return of the aircraft.

There is no mention of any diplomatic or operational irregularity, refusal of fuel, or disrespectful treatment. According to the Mathrabhumi report, the pilot initially remained near the aircraft and requested a chair to rest. After a period of rest beside the plane, the pilot proceeded into the terminal to complete standard customs. The immigration and security procedures were well coordinated by Indian authorities. This sequence of actions aligns with routine international aviation protocol and does not reflect any breach of procedure.

Conclusion

Thus, from the fact check, it is evident that the viral claim is misleading. There is no mention of any diplomatic or operational irregularity, refusal of fuel, or disrespectful treatment.