Sri Lanka is poised for a significant boost in its air defense and operational readiness with the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) set to receive advanced aerial assets in 2025. According to the Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Wickremaratne, the SLAF will acquire eight TH-57 helicopters ((Military Version of Bell-206)) from the United States and an FT-7 fighter aircraft from Pakistan. These additions are expected to greatly enhance the capabilities and operational efficiency of the SLAF.

According to sri Lankan media Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the SLAF, announced that the United States is set to deliver eight TH-57 Sea Ranger Bell 206 helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force in the first quarter of 2025. This acquisition comes after extensive discussions between Sri Lanka and the U.S., aimed at enhancing the SLAF’s air capabilities. The TH-57 Sea Ranger, a military adaptation of the Bell 206, is widely utilized for training and operational missions by the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Additionally, during Air Marshal Rajapaksa’s bilateral discussions with Pakistan, the SLAF secured an FT-7 trainer aircraft as a grant. He confirmed that the jet would be delivered soon, further bolstering the Air Force’s fleet.

Sri lanka is upgrading it’s Airforce. Last September, the SLAF acquired a Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft from the United States, followed by a Beechcraft King Air 350 from Australia in December. These planes are intended to enhance Sri Lanka’s capabilities in search and rescue missions, drug interdiction, and tackling trafficking and smuggling. They will also boost the country’s maritime surveillance initiatives and strengthen US-Sri Lanka defense collaboration.

Air Marshal Rajapaksa stated that with these aircraft, the SLAF has already commenced surveillance operations in Sri Lankan waters to counter maritime threats such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal fishing, while also safeguarding local fishermen and naval personnel from piracy.

Additionally, the SLAF is modernizing its fleet of Kfir fighter jets. A contract signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2021 will see five Kfir jets upgraded.