The jet, part of the UK Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group, made an emergency landing on June 14 due to a technical malfunction. A team of approximately 25 UK aviation engineers landed in Kerala on Sunday aboard a Royal Air Force Airbus A400M, bringing specialized tools to carry out the necessary repairs.
A statement from the British High Commission confirmed that the UK accepted India’s offer to use the MRO space and is working closely with local officials to manage logistics and technical requirements.
The $110 million stealth aircraft has remained under round-the-clock security by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) since landing. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is also actively assisting with coordination and repair efforts.
Local authorities and airport staff are supporting the UK team by arranging accommodation, food, and other logistics. Officials clarified that the jet’s pilot and technical staff were taken to the airport’s Emergency Medical Centre immediately after landing, disputing rumors that they stayed near the aircraft.
The High Commission stated that the aircraft will return to active service once all repairs and safety inspections are complete. A preliminary check by engineers aboard the HMS Prince of Wales determined that the repairs could not be completed at sea and required support from specialists flown in from the UK.
The Thiruvananthapuram airport is one of the designated emergency landing sites for British military aircraft operating in the region. Earlier this month, the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group participated in joint naval exercises with India.
“The UK is deeply appreciative of the cooperation and assistance provided by Indian authorities and airport personnel,” the British High Commission noted.