DARSHANA SANJEEWA BALASURIYA:  Sri Lanka Air Force is planning a major reinforcement of its fleet at a cost of US $ 18 million (Rs.5.4 billion) by acquiring new aircrafts while overhauling the existing ones as it celebrates its 75th anniversary this year amid persistent challenges in maintaining them.

Despite facing significant economic constraints and geopolitical hurdles, the SLAF has announced a series of strategic acquisitions and overhauls, ranging from the return of upgraded Kfir fighter jets to the receipt of US-donated helicopters to strengthen the nation's air defense and humanitarian operations.

SLAF Deputy Chief of Staff Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne said that as part of its fleet expansion and modernisation efforts, the SLAF has received two aircraft — the Beechcraft King Air 350 and 360ER — donated by the United States and Australia. These aircraft have enhanced maritime domain awareness and disaster preparedness capabilities, he said.

The SLAF is also expecting 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters from the United States, originating from the US Navy, with arrival anticipated in May. These helicopters are expected to boost training capacity and disaster response preparedness.

Four Mi-17 helicopters are to be shipped to Georgia for overhaul after a prolonged process. The overhaul and life-extension programme is estimated to cost around US$18 million (approximately Rs.5.4 billion), or about US$4.5 million per helicopter. Upon completion within six to eight months, three helicopters are expected to be deployed with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), while one will return to strengthen the local fleet.

Deputy Chief of Staff said that discussions are ongoing with the United States regarding the acquisition of two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and additional utility helicopters.

The MA-60 passenger transport aircraft, which has been grounded for several years, is also expected to be returned to service with assistance from its Chinese manufacturer.

Two Chinese-built fighter aircraft, the F-7 and the K-8 , are currently being overhauled at the SLAF overhaul facility in Katunayake with the support of Chinese specialists. The SLAF expect both aircraft to return to service this year.

The Kfir fighter jets, long associated with the SLAF but absent from operations in recent years, are nearing completion of a major upgrade programme. Earlier it was reported that five Kfir jets are being upgraded under a US$50 million agreement with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), with advanced avionics, modern radar and enhanced sensors to improve combat capability. The upgraded aircraft are expected to be operational by the end of this year.

Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne said that during the recent Ditwah cyclone, the SLAF encountered numerous operational challenges but was still able to respond effectively.

“There were a lot of challenges and difficulties that we encountered during that disaster, yet we were able to meet the needs of the Sri Lankan people,” he said. “However, during Ditwah we also learnt an important lesson — nature is not going to throw at us the same challenges it has in the past.”

Addressing a media briefing on the 75th anniversary, he said the SLAF has planned a series of activities throughout the year, including capability development initiatives to meet future challenges as well as community service programmes.

He said that the Air Force carried out its disaster response role despite severe resource constraints caused by the economic crisis and global geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“We did not operate at a time when we had abundant resources. We were very resource-restrained due to various reasons, including the economic challenges we face,” he said.

Meanwhile, Air Vice Marshal Gihan Seneviratne said that the SLAF plans to launch a Space Research and Innovation Section at Air Force Headquarters in Akuregoda on March 1 under the vision of Air Marshal Bandhu Edirisinghe. The initiative aims to develop future space-related capabilities for the Air Force and the country.

To mark its 75th anniversary, the SLAF has organised a series of multi-religious events and activities throughout the year. The Air Force Day Parade will be held on March 2 at Air Force Base Katunayake. A commemorative stamp and a specially composed 75th anniversary song will also be launched. An air exhibition and aircraft display will take place from March 6 to 8 at SLAF Base Ratmalana.

Also, the SLAF together with the Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka, has planned to conduct the Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya 2026 from 27th February to 01st March 2026. The men’s race will be held for three days. The women’s race will be a single-day event.