SLAF unveils plans to upgrade fleet with 8 Bell 206 helicopters from USA
Improve air capabilities FT-& trainer aircraft from Pakistan, upgrade Kfir fighter jets to advanced C12 configuration
COLOMBO – The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on Wednesday (January 1) unveiled plans to enhance its fleet and air capabilities, with the addition of eight Bell 206 helicopters from the United States and an FT-7 trainer aircraft from Pakistan.
SLAF Commander, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, unveiling the plans in his New Year address said the United States was set to deliver eight TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters in the first quarter of 2025, while the FT-7 trainer jet, secured as a grant during bilateral discussions with Pakistan, will arrive in the near future.
The SLAF is also undertaking the modernization of its fleet of Kfir fighter jets, he said, explaining that as part of an agreement signed in 2021 with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), five Kfir jets were being upgraded to the advanced C12 configuration, replacing the older C2 and C3 models. These enhanced jets are scheduled for integration into the SLAF fleet in 2025 and will play a vital role in surveillance operations across the Indian Ocean, he added.
He also noted that in recent months, the SLAF had received two Beechcraft aircraft to bolster maritime surveillance capabilities with the United States delivering a Beechcraft King Air 360ER in September last year, followed by a Beechcraft King Air 350 from Australia in December. These advanced aircraft, he said were designed for search and rescue missions, drug interdiction, and combating trafficking and smuggling, while also supporting maritime surveillance and reinforcing defence cooperation with partner nations.
Air Marshal Rajapaksa also highlighted the deployment of these aircraft in combating maritime threats, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, illegal fishing, and piracy, while ensuring the protection of local fishermen and naval personnel.
The SLAF also expanded its fleet last year with the procurement of two Chinese-made Y-12 aircraft, Rajapaksa noted, adding that the Air Force will be further advancing its defence capabilities through the acquisition of modern drone security systems, as well as new air defence and radar systems.
“By integrating cutting-edge drone security units and advanced air defence technologies, the SLAF is working in collaboration with the government to enhance national security,” the Rajapaksa said emphasizing the SLAF’s efforts to support the government’s initiatives to boost the economy, particularly through tourism, by launching programs aligned with these goals.
-ENCL
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