An emergency landing of a British Royal Navy F-35B Lightning 2 stealth fighter in southern India has sparked a whirlwind of speculation regarding potential electronic warfare by Indian radar systems. The incident, which occurred in mid-June 2025 at Thuvanapam International Airport in Kerala, saw the fighter jet divert from its routine sortie over the Arabian Sea due to worsening weather and dwindling fuel reserves.

As the news broke, social media erupted with claims that India’s integrated air command and control system had somehow jammed the advanced aircraft, forcing it to land. These sensational narratives suggested a remarkable feat of military prowess: the detection and neutralization of one of the world’s most sophisticated fighter jets. However, a closer examination reveals a far less dramatic reality.

Official statements from the Indian Air Force confirmed that the F-35 was indeed detected, but not through any jamming or electronic compromise. In peacetime, stealth jets like the F-35 often utilize radar reflectors to avoid misidentification, making them more visible on radar. The true cause of the emergency landing was a hydraulic system failure, not a sophisticated electronic attack.

Technical crews from the UK and US were dispatched to repair the aircraft, which was safely grounded in Kerala. The Indian Air Force characterized the event as a routine diversion, offering full support to British personnel, a stark contrast to the narrative of electronic sabotage.

The rumors of jamming appear to stem from a mix of nationalistic fervor and misinterpretation of the facts. The incident underscores the importance of separating sensationalism from reality. The truth is clear: the F-35’s landing was due to mechanical issues, not a secret victory in electronic warfare. As the dust settles, the myth of Indian radar jamming remains unsupported by credible evidence, leaving a more grounded story in its wake.