The 75th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Air Force coincides with one of its most comprehensive fleet modernisation efforts in recent memory. Despite economic headwinds and geopolitical disruptions, the Air Force is moving ahead with aircraft acquisitions, foreign-assisted upgrades, and expanded training capability to strengthen national resilience.
Central to the plan is an estimated US$18 million overhaul of four Mi-17 helicopters. Once refurbished, three aircraft will deploy with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s longstanding contribution to UN peacekeeping while potentially earning foreign exchange. The fourth helicopter will remain in-country, enhancing rapid response capacity during floods, cyclones and medical evacuations.
Two Beechcraft King Air aircraft 350 and 360ER variants donated by the United States and Australia, are already boosting maritime domain awareness. Given Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major Indian Ocean shipping lanes, improved surveillance supports anti-smuggling, fisheries protection and environmental monitoring operations.
Further strengthening training and disaster preparedness, ten TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters from the US Navy are scheduled for delivery. These platforms will expand pilot training throughput while reducing pressure on frontline operational aircraft.
The SLAF is also revitalising its combat and transport fleet. Five Kfir fighter jets are nearing completion of a US$50 million avionics and radar upgrade conducted by Israel Aerospace Industries. Meanwhile, F-7 and K-8 aircraft are being refurbished locally with Chinese technical assistance. Discussions are underway regarding possible acquisition of C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to enhance heavy-lift capability.
These developments unfold as Sri Lanka continues fiscal consolidation following its economic crisis. Defence planners argue that modernisation today prevents higher replacement costs tomorrow and ensures readiness for evolving security and climate-related challenges. Recent extreme weather events exposed operational gaps, reinforcing the need for reliable airlift and surveillance capacity.
Importantly, several elements of the programme leverage foreign grants, technical partnerships and peacekeeping deployments, potentially offsetting direct treasury burdens. UN missions in particular have historically provided reimbursement mechanisms that can support maintenance and training budgets.
In parallel, the SLAF plans to inaugurate a Space Research and Innovation Section, signalling a long-term vision that extends beyond conventional air operations. If aligned with civilian scientific institutions, such initiatives could stimulate technological development and regional collaboration.
While fiscal prudence remains essential, the modernisation drive represents a calculated attempt to align national defence capabilities with emerging security realities. In an increasingly volatile regional and climatic environment, strategic air power when efficiently managed serves not only military objectives but also humanitarian, environmental and diplomatic interests.
As Sri Lanka charts its post-crisis recovery, the balance between financial restraint and strategic preparedness will define the sustainability of this ambitious renewal effort.