In a shocking turn of events, the F-35B Lightning 2, the UK Royal Navy’s pride, has been deemed unrepairable following a botched emergency landing in Carerala, India. This $100 million stealth fighter, once the epitome of modern military technology, is now set to be dismantled and airlifted back to the UK aboard a C-17 transport aircraft, marking a significant blow to British military prestige.

The incident unfolded on June 14th when the aircraft, part of a military exercise aboard the HMS Prince of Wales, was forced to divert due to worsening weather. The pilot managed a precarious landing at Durham Airport, but the situation rapidly deteriorated as the jet suffered an unknown technical failure, leaving it exposed to the elements on the tarmac. Despite offers from India for protective hangar space, the UK declined, fearing exposure of sensitive technology.

As memes and ridicule flooded social media, the incident became a diplomatic embarrassment for the UK, particularly as India considers future aircraft purchases. Compounding the crisis, Indian defense sources reported that the F-35’s stealth capabilities failed to evade radar detection, raising serious questions about the aircraft’s reliability.

Now, a specialized team from Lockheed Martin is preparing to disassemble the aircraft for transport, with every detail crucial to avoid further damage. This logistical nightmare is not just a technical failure; it represents a reputational crisis for the F-35, which was heralded as the future of air combat.

As the F-35 remains grounded under monsoon skies, the military community is left grappling with a pressing question: Is this advanced fighter jet truly the pinnacle of modern warfare, or simply an overengineered liability? One thing is certain—the F-35 is not flying anywhere anytime soon.