The United States has commenced the transfer of 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under a bilateral cooperation programme.
The Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C. confirmed that the helicopters, provided as a donation, have departed the United States for Sri Lanka.
The aircraft are expected to enhance the SLAF’s capabilities in training, surveillance and operational support.
The TH-57 Sea Ranger, a military variant of the Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger, has been in service with the United States Navy and other U.S. forces since 1968.
U.S. officials described the transfer as a milestone in defence cooperation between the two countries, noting that it would strengthen regional security, disaster preparedness and humanitarian response capabilities.