British fighter jet stranded in India may finally fly home after inspiring memes
The stealth fighter, one of the world's most advanced and costing around 115 million dollars (£84.6 million), is stranded at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport in the southern state of Kerala due to a technical snag and is being repaired by UK engineers, officials said.
The jet was on a regular sortie in the Arabian Sea last month when it ran into bad weather and could not return to the Royal Navy's flagship aircraft carrier, the HMS Prince of Wales, officials said.
The aircraft was then diverted to Thiruvananthapuram, where it landed safely on June 14.
Officials said engineers hope to repair the plane in the next few days before it could fly back to the UK sometime next week.
The stranded military aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has triggered AI-generated memes in India.
In a social media post, the tourism department of Kerala showed the aircraft on the tarmac surrounded by coconut trees and posting a fictitious five-star review.
'Kerala is such an amazing place, I don't want to leave. Definitely recommend,' it said.
It was our way to appreciate and thank the Brits who are the biggest inbound visitors to Kerala for tourism
The state's top official at the tourism department, K Biju, said the post was put out in 'good humour'.
'It was our way to appreciate and thank the Brits who are the biggest inbound visitors to Kerala for tourism,' said Biju.
Another cartoon posted on X showed the plane enjoying snacks with a group of locals against a scenic background.
The British High Commission confirmed to The Associated Press that a UK engineering team has been deployed to 'assess and repair' the aircraft.
There has been speculation in India that if the engineers fail to rectify the aircraft, it could be partially dismantled and transported in a cargo plane.
The UK's Ministry of Defence dismissed the speculation in an emailed statement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
2 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights
As well as cheap flights, The Sun's travel writer Lee Bell was able to tuck into a main course with wine for two, all for under £30 SI YA I swapped Barcelona chaos for one of Spain's most affordable beach spots – It's a coastal gem with £45 return flights BARCELONA might boast easy flights, buzzing bars, and amazing food worth jumping on a plane for. But after a weekend of cava and chaos, I like to bolt on a few chilled-out days somewhere a bit calmer and just over an hour's drive away from the bustling city. Advertisement 7 The stunning holiday destination is a much quieter alternative to Barcelona Credit: Lee Bell 7 Expect fewer crowds and barely any Brits Credit: Lee Bell Just along the coast is the perfect escape: Tossa de Mar - a charming beach town that feels worlds away from Barcelona's busy streets. While most tour groups might end up in the neighbouring resort of Lloret de Mar - think all-inclusive wristbands and packed beaches - Tossa de Mar is where more locals go. What's more, it was recently named one of the country's cheapest beach resorts. Advertisement Averaging just £508 a week per person, TravelSupermarket's latest report named it one of 'the most affordable Spanish beach destinations for summer 2025'. That's proper value considering you're not only getting relaxing beach vibes, but a picturesque town brimming with boutique shops, and lots of trendy restaurants and bars all in one. Even with a name that might make some giggle when said out loud, Tossa really should cost more. It has history, authentic food, stunning beaches - and after paying for your hotel, you still have enough left for dinner and drinks. In fact, I was able to tuck into delicious Tapas with wine for two of us, costing us less than £30 altogether. Advertisement It might be small, meaning most things were within walking distance and saving us money on taxis, but Tossa de Mar packs a punch. It has its own castle right on the beach, a pretty marina, and barely any Brits there. The Spanish region undiscovered by Brits despite seaside views and ancient Roman cities This also means you won't see as many anti-tourism marches either, compared to the ongoing protests in Barcelona. In fact, you are more likely to see Korean tourists rather than Brits, after it was made popular by both a TV series and Kpop music video being filmed there. Top tips on what to do if visiting Tossa de Mar You can explore cobbled lanes, shop for local crafts, grab a gelato, or head up to the castle for epic sunset views. Advertisement The old town, called Vila Vella, is like a medieval picture book boasting quaint stone streets, tiny squares, and loads of independent shops. In just one afternoon, you can saunter through the shopping streets, climb the ramparts, peek out over the sea, then finish it off with tapas in a chiringuito (beach bar) looking across the waves. If, like me, you're not here for tourist-trap cafes and chain restaurants, Tossa's food scene is a breath of fresh air. All over the town, you'll find family-run restaurants where everything's homemade and the prices are reasonable. One of those is Bar La Lluna - a tiny, family-run gem tucked behind some cobbled backstreets. Advertisement 7 Canela en Rama has sea views and a grown up atmosphere Credit: Lee Bell 7 Tapas is affordable here too - a meal for two with wine cost us less than £30 altogether Credit: Lee Bell 7 I love the cocktails bars that are just as fancy as Barcelona but a bit cheaper Credit: Lee Bell With a gorgeous terrace that spills out onto the street, you'll find lovely homemade food, from creamy artichokes to crispy patatas bravas, with a vibe that's chilled but full of charm. What's more, a table of tapas for two and a few glasses of wine each cost just €30 (£26). Advertisement Then there's Restaurante Portal, which does tapas with a twist. It's got a trendy, modern interior and a menu that's more creative than your usual. I went for the soft-shell crab brioche, and a tortilla de bacalao (cod) - both of which were unreal. The entire meal, consisting of three tapas plates to share and two main dishes, with drinks, costing just over €50 (£45) for two. Wash it down with a cocktail and you're set for the night. You can grab an Aperol Spritz here for just €6.80 (£5.90). After dinner, you can wander through the town and grab dessert from one of the many gelato shops in the square. A cone piled high with different flavours will only set you back a few euros. Try the turrón flavour for something more local. Advertisement Just wanting drinks? Canela en Rama is worth a visit. This slick cocktail bar right by the castle with sea views has a real grown-up feel. The cocktails are expertly made here, with lots of attention to detail. They start at around €12 (£10.50), which is pretty good for such an upmarket place. I had one of the best cocktails of my trip here, and the staff made me feel like a regular. You can also get a glass of cava for €4 (£3.50) if cocktails aren't your bag. Generally, evenings in Tossa are mellow - think ice-cold cava, candlelit tables, and the sound of conversation in Spanish or Catalan - not karaoke, kebab stalls or people stilling out of clubs. Of course, if you really want the cheap beers, head to the local Bar Josep, running since 1966, where you can find pints for under €4. Advertisement Bar Savoy is just as cheap with tapas from €1.50 and similarly priced pints. When to visit the town As always, July and August are the busiest months to visit Tossa, but even then, the resort stays relatively chilled. June or September is the sweet spot - warm weather and sunny skies but less hustle. If you go off-peak (May or October), you'll still get heatwave moments - great for dipping in the Med, roaming the ramparts, and dining outdoors. Where to stay When it comes to accommodation, I always stay at Gran Hotel Reymar, which is practically on the beach. Advertisement It's a four-star but really affordable. Rooms are fresh, clean and modern, and it's located right in the middle of everything. There's also a big pool and spa area. Room prices start at around €126 (£110) per night, though that jumps to about €180 (£160) in high season. If you want something with a bit more character, Hotel Diana is a good pick. 7 Four-star hotels are also pretty cheap compared to Barcelona Credit: Lee Bell Nestled in a historic Modernist building right on the beach with its own terrace and two bars, it feels stylish, boutique, but still very relaxed. Double rooms start from around €113 (£99) per night. It's right in the heart of town, super comfy, and ideal for anyone who likes something a bit less cookie-cutter. Advertisement Both hotels are within walking distance of the beach, castle and bars - so whether you're into spa days or historic vibes, you're sorted. How to get there Getting to Tossa is fuss-free, and you won't need a car. If you want to fly there directly from the UK, you can get there in just half an hour after landing at Girona airport. Or, if you're heading there from Barcelona, you can hop on a bus from the city's coach station, Estació del Nord, in roughly one hour and it only costs €12 (£10.20). It might be more expensive, but if you opt to hire a car, it'll be even easier to explore Tossa's neighbouring towns and resorts, like Platja de Canyelles, or even pop inland to explore the medieval town of Girona. Advertisement Flights to Barcelona or Girona from most major UK airports can be picked up from as little as £45 return. 7 Return flights can be found for around £45 to either of the nearby airports Credit: Lee Bell
The Irish Sun
3 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year
The island is home to rare birds, and the waters are brimming with sea life HIDDEN PARADISE Look around the idyllic tropical island with incredible white beaches & dolphins – but only 6,000 people visit it a year WHEN we think of white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, images of the Maldives or the Caribbean often spring to mind. As idyllic as those holiday hotspots are, they are often packed with tourists, and finding undiscovered gems can be tough. Advertisement 6 The stunning collection of islands spread across all four hemispheres Credit: AP:Associated Press But what about if there was a dazzling collection of islands with the same wow factor as well-known beach spots, but with a fraction of the visitors? Kiribati is a remote slice of paradise in Micronesia that welcomes just 6,000 visitors a year. For nature-lovers, the islands and the turquoise waters that surround them are home to Spinner, Striped, Fraser's dolphins. There have also been sightings of short-finned pilot whales and false killler whales off the shore. Advertisement Nestled more than 8,600 miles from the UK, the Republic of Kiribati, it comprises 33 islands - 21 of which are inhabited. English-speaking utopia The islands are spread across an ocean area larger than the continental United States. With just over 121,000 people calling it home in 2020 census, many speak English and Gilbertese — a remnant of British colonial times before full independence in July 1979 and UN membership in 1999. The people who live in Kiribati are proud of their culture and traditions, which includes dancing and chanting at social events. Advertisement Maneaba, also known as community meeting houses, are central to village life and democracy. Most of the inhabitants live in small villages and rely on fishing and farming. The group of islands are grouped into three island clusters - the Gilbert Islands, Phoenix Islands and Line Islands. Despite minimal infrastructure, tourism is emerging — yet still tiny. Advertisement In 2023, approximately 8,000 visitors arrived, showing a surge from pre‑pandemic levels and accounting for about 4 percent of GDP and 2 perfect of jobs. Most cruise ships dock here just a handful of times, and regular international flights come only from Fiji Airways or Nauru Airlines. Another wow factor for Kiribati is that it is the only country in the world to straddle all four hemispheres. Smaller than New York City It stretches across the equator and the 180-degree meridian, meaning parts of the nation lie in UTC +14, making them one of the first places on earth to welcome in the new day. Advertisement The atolls are minuscule patches of land — total land area is just 811 square kilometres, tinier than New York City, but scattered across some 3.4 million square kilometres of ocean. Kiribati is also known as Christmas Island (not to be confused with Christmas Island in Australia) and has the largest coral atoll by land area. It measures around 312 square kilometres and is ringed by a vast lagoon brimming with bonefish, tuna, wahoo and billfish. Nature-lovers' dream Kiribati is also home to the rare bokikokiko (Christmas Island warbler), found only on Kiritimati and Washington Island — fewer than 2,500 remain and the species faces threats from invasive cats and rising seas. Advertisement Nearby, you'll spot the elegant Christmas white‑eye and even traces of the extinct Christmas sandpiper, which vanished from the earth in the early 1800s. Most of all, this remote haven is tailor‑made for holidaymakers on the hunt for peace and quiet. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sport fishing, birdwatching — all can be done in near‐solitude. 6 A hut made from a coconut palm tree in a village on Christmas Island, Kiribati Credit: Alamy Advertisement 6 Spinner dolphins are a common sight around Kiribati Credit: Alamy 6 An example of a hut made by the Micronesian people Credit: Alamy 6 An aerial view of Christmas Island, Kiribati, which has the largest coastal atoll by land area Credit: Alamy 6 Tarawa atoll, capital of the vast archipelago nation of Kiribati Credit: AFP
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land
Brits were urged to check one important thing before travelling TAKE NOTE Millions of UK drivers heading abroad this summer told spend £6 NOW to avoid huge disappointment when you land MILLIONS of motorists planning on heading abroad this summer have been warned to spend £6 now to avoid a huge disappointment. The DVLA issued the warning to motorists planning summer holidays in the European Union and beyond. Advertisement 2 The DVLA has urged drivers to check ahead before trying to rent a car abroad Credit: Getty Drivers were told they may need an international driving permit (IDP) before travelling to their holiday destination. Anyone hoping to hop in a hire car while enjoying a summer break has been urged to check if they'll need a permit before they fly. Drivers could face disappointment after landing and trying to pick up their hire car if they don't have a permit. To avoid missing out on motoring abroad drivers have been instructed to purchase an IDP for just £5.50 from certain shops that have a PayPoint. Advertisement To get hold of a permit you must be 18 or over, live in the Great Britain or Northern Ireland and hold a full UK driving licence. The DVLA said you should check if the individual state authority says you need an IDP. If you're planning on hiring a car, you should check with the car hire company if you need an IDP. In the US drivers might require a driving licence and an IDP to hire a motor for their holiday. Advertisement Motorists who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them. Brits planning to move abroad who want to continue driving may need to get a local driving licence. Our rental car burst into FLAMES – we escaped by the skin of our teeth In some countries you can exchange your UK licence without taking another driving test. Rules in EU countries vary and the DVLA has encouraged motorists to check the rules for exchanging your licence in the EU. Advertisement In some countries, like Cyprus, you can use a UK photocard driving licence for up to 30 days without an IDP. But if you're hiring a car you should always check with the hire company before travelling. 2 Brits who only hold a paper driving licence must take another form of photographic ID with them Credit: Getty If you hold a driving licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you may need an IDP for any length of visit. Advertisement The DVLA said: 'If you're hiring a car abroad, you should check with your car hire company if you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) before travelling.' Brit motorists could face disappointment at the car hire desk if they forget to check. IDPs last for a while so it's worth getting one before jetting off for a holiday. A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months while a 1968 permit lasts for three years or until your UK licence expires, whichever comes first. Advertisement
