Stranded UK F-35 jet becomes unexpected star in Indian tourism campaign

India’s southern state of Kerala has found a unique ambassador to promote its coconut palm-lined beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture to tourists — a British F-35 fighter jet that has been stranded there since mid-June.

NEW DELHI — India’s southern state of Kerala has found a unique ambassador to promote its coconut palm-lined beaches, backwaters and vibrant culture to tourists — a British F-35 fighter jet that has been stranded there since mid-June.

The Royal Navy aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing at the airport of the state capital Thiruvananthapuram on June 14 and has been grounded ever since, despite efforts to repair it.

An AI-generated image of the stealth aircraft parked on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees has gone viral after it was shared by Kerala‘s tourism department on Wednesday.

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

In the viral social media post, originally created by entertainment website The Fauxy, the jet can be seen giving the state of Kerala five golden stars, calling it “an amazing place”.