The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) will maintain an upgraded aircraft fleet in order to contribute to maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean, which is a timely priority of the region, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said.
He said the fighter jet fleet of the Air Force is currently undergoing a major overhaul in order to be upgraded and they will be back in operation by early next year. “The country’s national leadership has set out several top priorities for us to achieve and maintaining peace in the Indian Ocean is one among them. Accordingly, we are dedicated to ensuring free navigation of vessels in the Indian Ocean,” he said.
According to him, at least five upgraded fighter aircraft will be released for operation by next year.
Meanwhile, the Air Force Commander revealed the progress relating to the acquisition of new aircraft to its fleet this year.
Accordingly, negotiations for the purchase of a C-130 Hercules aircraft from the US Air Force will be held within the next two weeks. The SLAF will receive this aircraft, which has been used by the US Air Force at a reasonable price.
In addition, the SLAF will also receive two Beechcraft aircraft donated by the USA and Australia, of which one is brand new. The Australian one will be delivered within the next three months, while the US aircraft is expected to arrive at the end of this year, he said.
Further, the SLAF received two Harbin Y-12-IV brand new aircraft purchased from China in December last year.
Lahiru Fernando