Sri Lanka Air Force

TheSri Lanka Air Force(SLAF;Sinhala:ශ්‍රි ලංකා ගුවන් හමුදාව,romanized:Śrī Laṃkā guwan hamudāva;Tamil:இலங்கை விமானப்படை,romanized:Ilaṅkai vimāṉappaṭai) is theair armand the youngest of theSri Lanka Armed Forces.It was founded in 1951 as theRoyal Ceylon Air Force(RCyAF) with the assistance of theRoyal Air Force(RAF). The SLAF played a major role throughout theSri Lankan Civil War.The SLAF operates more than 160 aircraft.

Sri Lanka Air Force
ශ්‍රී ලංකා ගුවන් හමුදාව(Sinhala) இலங்கை வான்படை(Tamil)
Badge of the Sri Lanka Air Force
Founded	2 March 1951(1951-03-02)
Country	Sri Lanka
Type	Air force
Role	Aerial warfare
Size	27,000 personnel
Part of	Sri Lanka Armed Forces
Headquarters	SLAF Colombo,Colombo
Motto(s)	සුරකිමු ලකඹර Surakimu Lakambara "Guardian Of The Skies"
Colours
March	Guwana Ara Lak Deraņa Purā "Over the skies of Sri Lanka"
Anniversaries	2 March: Air Force Day
Engagements	1971 JVP insurrection 1987–1989 JVP insurrection Sri Lankan Civil War
Decorations	Military awards and decorations of Sri Lanka
Website	www.airforce.lk
Commanders
Commander-in-Chief	PresidentAnura Kumara Dissanayake
Commander of the Air Force	Air MarshalUdeni Rajapaksa
Chief of staff	Air Vice MarshalRS Wickremeratne
Deputy Chief of the Air Staff	Air Vice MarshalRanjith Senanayake
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Ensign
Aircraft flown
Fighter	IAI Kfir
Attack helicopter	Mil Mi-24
Multirole helicopter	Bell 212,Bell 412
Trainer helicopter	Bell 206
Utility helicopter	Mil Mi-17
Interceptor	Chengdu F-7
Patrol	Beechcraft Super King Air,Dornier 228
Reconnaissance	IAI Searcher,EMIT Blue Horizon 2,Lihiniya MK I,AAI RQ-2 Pioneer,IAI Scout
Trainer	K-8 Karakorum,Nanchang CJ-6(PT-6),Cessna 150
Transport	C-130 Hercules,Antonov An-32,Harbin Y-12,Xian MA60

TheCommander of the Air Forceis the professional head of the Sri Lanka Air Force who holds the rankAir Marshal.

Mission statement

Themission statementof the Sri Lanka Air Force is

To achieve professional excellence in rapid mobility and precision engagement by developing core capabilities based on technological superiority, to ensure operational readiness and success in exploiting the competent human resources and equipment of the Sri Lanka Air Force

TheVisionof the Sri Lanka Air Force is

To be a well accomplished, resolute, and ingenious airpower capable of fulfilling the aspirations of the nation and preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the island

History

Short Sunderland Mark IIIsof No. 230 Squadron RAF at RAF Koggala in Ceylon.

Although Ceylonese had served in theRoyal Air Force(RAF) and the Government of Ceylon adopted theNo. 102 Squadron RAF,no air units were formed as part of theCeylon Defence Force.The newly establishedDominion of Ceylon,under its first Prime Minister,D. S. Senanayakebegan establishing its armed forces. The need for an air force was identified in its defence policy and the Air Force Act was passed in parliament in 1951 in order to establish an air force for the new nation.

Royal Ceylon Air Force

Pilots of the No. 4 Helicopter Flight RCyAF at RCyAF Katunayake in 1969.

As such theRoyal Ceylon Air Force(RCyAF) was formed on 2 March 1951 with RAF officers and other personnel seconded to the RCyAF. Ceylonese were recruited to the new RCyAF and several Ceylonese who had served with the RAF duringWorld War IIwere absorbed in the force. Initial objective was to train local pilots and ground crew with early administration and training carried out exclusively by RAF officers and other personnel on secondment. The first aircraft of the RCyAF werede Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunksused as basic trainers to train the first batches of pilots locally while several cadets were sent toRoyal Air Force College Cranwell.These were followed byBoulton Paul BalliolT.Mk.2s andAirspeed OxfordMk.1s for advanced training of pilots and aircrew along withde Havilland Dovesandde Havilland Heronsfor transport use, all provided by the British Government. By 1955, the RCyAF was operating two flying squadrons based atRAF Negombo,with one focused on training and the other on transport. The first helicopter type to be added to the service was theWestland Dragonfly.

After Prime MinisterS. W. R. D. Bandaranaike's negotiated the closure of British air and naval bases in Ceylon in 1956, the RCyAF took over the former RAF stations;KatunayakeandChina Bay,becoming RCyAF operational stations while ancillary functions were carried out atDiyatalawaandEkala.TheRCyAF Regiment Squadronwas formed in 1956. The RAF headquarters, Air HQ Ceylon, was disbanded on 1 November 1957. However RAF officers remained with the RCyAF until 1962. This led to increased responsibility for the fledgling RCyAF as the RAF withdrew its aircraft and personal, leaving air defence solely the responsibility of theCeylon Artillerysince the RCyAF did not have fighters to take over void left by the RAF withdrawal. The Government of Ceylon maintained friendly relations with neighbouring countries such as India, perceived the risk of air intrusion low. However, approval had been granted to introduced fighter capability to the RCyAF. In 1959de Havilland Vampirejet aircraftwere acquired. However, the RCyAF did not put them into operational use and soon replaced them with fiveHunting Jet Provostsobtained from the British, which were formed into a new Jet Squadron. Seven more Provosts followed. Defence expenditure was cut drastically in the early 1960s as a result of both foreign exchange crisis and anattempt military coup in 1962.The RAF officer commanding the RCyAF was replaced by the first Ceylonese commanderAir CommodoreRohan Amerasekera.The RCyAF did receive a few aircraft in the 1960s, most notablyAmericanBell JetRangerhelicopters and byHindustan Aeronautics LimitedHAL-26 Pushpakgiven byIndia.The force had grown gradually during its early years, reaching a little over 1,000 officers and recruits in the 1960s. By 1970 the Provosts were in storage.

1971 Insurrection

Main article:1971 JVP Insurrection

The Royal Ceylon Air Force first went into combat in April 1971 when theMarxistJVPlaunched anisland-wide insurrectionon April 5. The Ceylon Armed Forces were caught off guard;police stationsisland-wide and the RCyAF base at Ekala were attacked in the initial wave. Responding rapidly the RCyAF deployed its limited aircraft, at first to resupply besieged police stations, military outposts and patrol around major cities. The Jet Provosts were taken out of storage and put into service within three days, carrying out attacks on insurgents. Its transports began ferrying troops and cargo cross the island.During this insurgency the left-leaningBandaranaikegovernment turned to friendly nations for weapons and ammunitions. The RAF's heavy transports also flew in sixBell 47G helicopters purchased from the United States, which were put into combat as soon as possible after only five days of pilot training. It received fiveMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F fighter bombers and aMiG-15 UTItrainer, as well as twoKamov Ka-26helicopters meant forsearch and rescueandcasualty evacuationfrom theSoviet Union.Air Force personnel joined in ground operations, and when the insurgents surrendered after about a month's fighting the RCyAF was in charge of three of the many rehabilitation camps setup for insurgents. In the wake of the insurrection the RCyAF established aVolunteer Forceto supplement its regular carder.

Sri Lanka Air Force

A Hawker SiddeleyHS 748used by the SLAF, now displayed atKoggala Airport

With Ceylon becoming a republic in 1972, the Royal Ceylon Air Force changed its name to theSri Lanka Air Forcealong with all insignia. Because of a shortage of funds for military expenditure in the wake of the 1971 insurrection, the No. 4 Helicopter Squadron began operating commercial transport services for foreign tourists under the name ofHelitours.On March 31, 1976, the SLAF was awarded thePresident's Colour.That same year SLAF detachments, which later became SLAF stations, were established at Wirawila, Vavuniya and Minneriya.

With the closure ofAir Ceylonin 1978, itsHawker Siddeley HS 748transport aircraft was taken over by the SLAF. By the early 1980s the Provosts and all of the Soviet aircraft had been taken out of active service and placed in long-term storage, leaving the air force without any fighter/bomber capability.

Sri Lankan Civil War

Main articles:Sri Lankan Civil Warand1987–1989 JVP insurrection

ASIAI-MarchettiSF260 used for ground attack in the early days of the civil war.

A FMAIA 58 Pucaráground-attack aircraftused in the civil war in the early 1990s.

Rapid growth began in the mid-1980s, when theSri Lankan Civil Waragainst LTTE drew the service into a major, long-term security role. In 1982 the SLAF reactivated airfields atBatticaloa,Anuradhapura,KoggalaandSigiriyathat had been disused sinceWorld War II,all later becoming SLAF Stations. During theFirst Eelam Warbetween 1983 and 1987, the force grew by nearly 50 percent. In 1987 the air force had a total strength of 3,700 personnel, including active reserves. TheSri Lanka Air Force Regimenttook over to role of ground based air defence from the4th Regiment, Sri Lanka Artillerytransitioned into a field artillery role as it decommissioned its anti-aircraft guns. As in the other services, a shortage of spare parts plagued maintenance efforts, forcing the service to send a number of aircraft to Singapore and elsewhere for repairs. After the purchase of equipment from Canada in 1986, the air force gained the capability to make structural repairs on its fleet of Bell helicopters, several of which had been damaged in operations against the Tamil separatists. Maintenance of electronic equipment was performed at the communications station at Ekala, in the north of Colombo District.

After the Conflict started, the government worked rapidly to expand the SLAF inventory, relying largely on sources inItaly,Britain, and the United States. Because of tight budget constraints, the SLAF was compelled to refit a number of non-combat aircraft for military uses incounter-terrorismoperations againstLiberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam(LTTE) terrorists. From the period 1983 to 1985, the Air Force acquired 11Bell 212helicopters, fourBell 412helicopters, threeSIAI Marchetti SF.260s,twoCessna 337s,oneHawker Siddeley HS 748and twoBeechcraft Super King Airs.By 1985, nine more Bell 212s were added to the fleet, along with four Bell 412s. The 412s along with the SIAI Marchetti SF.260 aircraft advanced the attack capabilities of the SLAF. Central in the government's security efforts were six SIAI Marchetti SF.260TPturbopropswhich were used forrocketattacks and strafing. Additionally, the air force, with the help of Heli Orient ofSingapore,equipped twelve Bell 212 and Bell 412 helicopters to serve asgunshipsand as transport vehicles for highly successfulcommandoassault operations. The air force had a fleet of approximately eighty aircraft, of which sixty-four were reported to be operational in early 1988.

Government forces reportedly also used helicopters on bombing missions. A more effective bombing capability was provided by a small fleet of ChineseHarbin Y-12turboproptransport aircraft.These were equipped with bomb racks that had been fitted to carry up to 1,000 kilograms of fragmentation andanti-personnelbombs. Transport, training, and surveying functions were carried out by a variety ofCessnaandde Havillandaircraft. In 1987 the air force acquiredShaanxi Y-8sand would later use them for bombing, until 1992 when one Y-8 crashed during a bombing mission, when all bombing using transport aircraft were stopped. On 3 September 1987 a Women's Wing was formed and located inColombo,initially tasked with administrative duties.

In May 1987, the Sri Lankan military launched what make be known asVadamarachchi Operation,its largest offensive to date. The air force mustered one HS 748, two Y-12s and one de Havilland Heron, all configured as improvised bombers. Presser from the Government of India culminated during the Vadamarachchi Operation withIndian Air Forcecarrying outOperation Poomalaiunopposed. TheIndo-Sri Lanka Accordfollowed and theIndian Peace Keeping Force(IPKF) landed soon after to enforce peace. The arrival of the IPKF led to the start of the1987–1989 JVP insurrection,during which SLAF carried out areal reconnaissance against insurgents and several SLAF stations in the southern part of the island came under attack by militant elements associated with the JVP.

With resumption of hostilities with the LTTE, to increase its attack capability, in 1991 the SLAF acquired fourF-7 Skybolts,three FT-7s and twoShenyang J-5sfromChina.Later in 1993 the first of threeMil Mi-17helicopter transportswere acquired along with fourFMA IA 58 Pucarásfor ground attack. These proved to be effective, but three of the Pucarás were lost, two tosurface-to-air missileslaunched by the LTTE. The sole remaining Pucará was retired in 1999 due to lack of spare parts. In 1995Mil Mi-24gunships were acquired for close air support for the army and by 2001Mil Mi-35swere added to the fleet.

In 1996 the SLAF acquired sevenIAI Kfirs(six C.2s and one TC.2) fromIsraeland a further nine of these aircraft had been added to the inventory by 2005. This included four C.2s and four C.7s in 2001. Currently the SLAF operates two C.7s, eight C.2s and two TC.2s. The SLAF used these Kfirs to launch attacks against Tamil separatist targets in rebel-controlled areas of the island.

In 2000 new aircraft were acquired; apart from the addition of Kfir C.7s and Mi-35s, these included sixMikoyan MiG-27dedicatedground attack aircraft(obtained due to lack of specialised ground attack aircraft since the retirement of the Pucarás), aMikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23UB trainer and twoLockheed C-130 Herculesfor heavy transport. SixK-8 Karakorumtrainers were soon bought from China, creating No. 14 Squadron to train pilots for the newly expanded fleet of jets.

On 24 July 2001, thirteen aircraft including two Kfir jet fighters, one Mi-24 helicopter gunship and one MiG-27 jet fighter, were destroyed in thepre-dawn attack by the LTTEon SLAF Katunayake air base, part ofBandaranaike International Airportabout 35 km north of Colombo. Three military training aircraft and five civilian jets were also among the destroyed aircraft.Many of these aircraft were later replaced. Sri Lanka's international airport has remained on alert for a repeat of the 2001 attack, with severe restrictions on the number of people allowed into the terminal buildings. Huge walls were built around the terminals and the control towers to prevent impact from car bomb attacks, and many sentries were placed along the approach roads to the facility. All airports including the international airport are heavily guarded by members of the SLAF Regiment. In 2006 four MiG-27s were bought fromUkraineto replace two lost in crashes and the one lost in the attack on the airport.

Since the start of the civil war the SLAF used its combat aircraft in a ground-attack role to attack LTTE targets in the then LTTE-controlled areas in the northern and eastern parts of the island. Following confirmation that the LTTE was using several light weight aircraft in 2006, the SLAF expanded itsair defencecapabilities which had been neglected for years. Extensive air defenceradarnetwork was established and ground-based air defence strengthened.Aircraft interception radarof the LTTE light aircraft were developed using both fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft until dedicated interceptors were acquired. During the 2007–2009 the LTTE launched several attacks using light aircraft on Colombo, SLAF Katunayake and several other locations with superficial damage. In the early hours of October 22, 2007 aground attack by the LTTEon SLAF Anuradhapura at Saliyapura, which was supported briefly by its air wing, resulted in the destruction of eight aircraft with several others damaged.The attack only affected the SLAF's training element. Early in 2008 the air force received six F-7Gs, these are primarily used as interceptors and are attached to No.5 Jet Squadron.

In October 2008 the air force claimed its first air-to-air kill, when it reported that one of itsChengdu F-7Ginterceptors shot down aZlín Z 43of the LTTE air wing when it attempted to attack a military base inVavuniya.In the last stages of the civil war the SLAF flew its highest number of sorties providing close air support of ground and naval forces and carried out pinpoint bombing on identified targets. It moved many of its units including fighter jets to forward air bases to increase the number of sorties.

Major combat operations

During the civil war the SLAF support theSri Lanka Armyin all major operations undertaken, including:

Eelam War I(1976–1987) Vadamarachchi Operation JVP Uprising(1987–1990) Eelam War II(1990–1995) Operation Eagle Operation Sea Breeze Operation Eagle Operation Thrividha Balaya Operation BalavegayaI, II

Eelam War III(1995–2002) Operation Riviresa Operation Thrivida Pahara Operation Jayasikurui Operation Rivibala Operation Ranagosa Operation Rivikirana Operation KinihiraI, II, III/IV, V/VI, VII, VIII, IX

Eelam War IV(2006–2009) Eastern Theatre Northern Theatre

Post war period

With the civil war ending in 2009, the SLAF reduced its number of sorties and began transitioning into a peace time role. This involved utilizing its fix wing and rotary wing transport aircraft for civilian transport by reforming the civilian domestic airlineHelitours,as well as undertaking international flights and deployments as part of humanitarian andUN peacekeepingoperations.

Humanitarian and international operations

In 2014, the SLAF deployed a contingent of three Mi-17 helicopters with support personnel and equipment designated No. 62 Helicopter Flight to theUnited Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chadconsisting of 122 personal.This was followed by second contingent three Mi-17 helicopters and 81 personal toUnited Nations Mission in South Sudan.In December 2014, SLAFC-130of the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron flew a special humanitarian operation transporting essential spares and accessories for repair of the desalination facility inMalefrom Singapore. The breakdown of the desalination facility resulted in a desperate shortage of drinking water in Male and the equipment for repair could not be flown in commercial flights, resulting in the Maldivian government requesting aid from the government of Sri Lanka.

In April 2015, following theearthquake in Nepalthe Sri Lankan government responded by deploying relief contingents from the armed services including teams from the air force. These teams were airlifted to Nepal by a SLAF C-130 of the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron, which was followed by other flights carrying in aid supplies. This was the first time a SLAF aircraft has been deployed on a rescue mission to a foreign country.This was followed by another humanitarian flight to Pakistan following earthquakes. In 2016, SLAF C-130 Hercules carried out resupply missions to its detachments based in Central African Republic and South Sudan. In 2017, the air force was deployed in force to assist civilian authorities during the2017 Sri Lanka floods.To carryout search and rescue operations the air force deployed seven Mi-17 helicopters, three Bell-212 helicopters and one Bell-412 helicopters.

On 13 July 2022, an Antonov An-32 aircraft of the SLAF flew toMaldivescarrying thenPresident Gotabaya Rajapaksa into exile.

Fleet modernization

Sri Lanka Air Force andCRDdeveloped medium range UAVLihiniya MK I.

In the years that followed the war, the SLAF began a program of upgrading its air fleet and looking for replacements for ageing aircraft.

Transport and trainers

In 2011, twoXian MA60passenger transport aircraft were purchased for the air force operated Helitours and two moreBell 412have been purchased in addition to the eight already in service.In addition 14Mi-171helicopters are to be purchased from Russia.In 2018 May, six brand-newPT-6training aircraft were accepted by the SLAF fromAVICHongdu in Nanchang,China.These aircraft will be utilised by theNo 1 Flight Training Wingat theSLAF Academy.Two of these were lost in crashes in 2020 and 2023.

By 2018, the SLAF has been considering increasing its fleet of transport helicopters with new purchases of 10–14Mi-171SH,2Bell 412sand 2Bell 206s.These are intended for flight training,VIPtransport and overseas deployments for UN peace keeping operations.As of May 2021 only 10 of the 21 Mi17 helicopters are in service. The SLAF is in the process of overhauling an additional pair of Mi17 helicopters, and purchasing 4 new Mi17 helicopters to replace worn out examples.Three of the Mi35P/Mi35V helicopters are also going to be overhauled.

In 2021, SLAF announced plans to purchase twoHarbin Y-12aircraft from China.Three Antonov-32 transports were overhauled in Ukraine.Tenders were called for four secondhand Bell 206B3 helicopters for the use as training helicopters.The SLAF received the two new Y-12s in December 2023.In 2024, the SLAF has approached theUnited States Air Forceto acquire twoC-130 Hercules.

Fighter and attack

With the end of the civil war, the SLAF changed its priorities and set a long-term goal of modernizing its aircraft and developing itsair defencecapability. By 2013, there were claims that SLAF was looking for a replacement for its Kfirs and MiG-27s. Pakistan offered thePAC JF-17 Thunderaircraft to several countries including Sri Lanka.In 2016, the Sri Lankan Government gave the green light to a programme to procure multirole combat aircraft. The programme, featuring the acquisition of between 8–12 aircraft, were to be pursued through a government-government basic agreement.In December, then Sri Lankan Prime MinisterRanil Wickramasinghesaid Sri Lanka received offers fromChina,India,SwedenandRussiaand they were in progress to take final decision.

By 2009 SLAF operated three FT-7, three F-7BS, sixF-7G,two Kfir TC.2s, two Kfir C.7s, eight Kfir C.2s, seven MiG-27s and one MiG-23UB trainer.By 2017 the Migs and Kfirs have been withdrawn as only one Kfir out of seven still available (fifteen were originally procured) was serviceable and the seven surviving Mig23/27 aircraft were not operational.In March 2017, two J7GS were seen flying during the 66th anniversary of the Sri Lankan Air Force. A single J7GS and J7BS were overhauled in China, whileCATICand the air force additionally overhauled an FT7 and another J7GS at the recently opened SLAF overhaul facility. The aircraft overhaul wing was opened as part of a joint venture between the air force andCATICwith a plan to overhaul all F7 aircraft in service.In December 2017, Janes reported that the Sri Lankan government was in talks with IAI for the upgrade and return to service of five of its Kfirs which had been grounded since a mid air collision in 2011.Meanwhile, a single Kfir C2 and a single Kfir C7 have been preserved for display.In 2021, the SLAF initiated its long-awaited program for the overhaul and service life extension of several of its aging air frames. This included five Kfirs fighters, two C-130 transports, four Antonov-32 transports, three Mi-17 heavy transport helicopters and its remaining Mi-35 attack helicopters. Five Kfir C2/C7/TC2 will be updated to a near Block 60 standard in a deal worth US$49 million withIsrael Aerospace Industries,with an expected service life of 15 years. The work will be done in Sri Lanka by SLAF personal over two years, with upgraded avionics and the provision for advanced radar, sensors and helmets in the future.

Maritime reconnaissance

Following the end of the war, SLAF shifted more focus onmaritime patrolingto counter smuggling in its territorial waters. To this extend it began looking to procure a dedicatedmaritime patrol aircraft.Attention was given in 2018 to the possibility of acquiring theLockheed P-3 Orionwith assistance from Japan.In April 2019, it was reported that India was considering transferring a singleDornier 228reconnaissance aircraft.

In 2020, the SLAF has been in talks to acquire eitherDornier Do228or Beechcraft 360ER maritime reconnaissance aircraft from India and the United States respectively.In February 2022, the US Government agreed to provide two Beechcraft 360ER on a gratis basis under a foreign military sales contract to enhance the SLAF's maritime reconnaissance capability.In August 2022, the Government of India, delivered oneDornier Do228as a grant with another on order, following crew training.The Australian Government has announced that it will gift a former Royal Australian Air Force BeechcraftKA350King Air aircraft (registrationA32-673) to the Sri Lankan Government in 2023 May.

Indigenous UAV program

The SLAF has also embarked on the indigenous UAV program. The project started in 2011 with theCentre for Research and Development(CRD).TheLihiniya MK Ihad its first flight in April 2020. Lihiniya MK I andLihiniya MK IIwere intended to be used to train and use as medium range tactical UAV System for the national defence requirements. The SLAF intends to have the first models entering service by the end of 2021 and implement lessons learnt in the design of the Lihiniya II UAV.

Organisation

Air Force Headquarters

Sri Lanka Air Force Headquarters,Colombo

The professional head of the air force is the Commander of the Air Force, as of 2023Air MarshalUdeni Rajapaksawho reports directly to the Minister of Defence. The Commander of the Air Force exercises operational and administrative control of the air force fromAir Force Headquarters,SLAF Colombo.

Air Force Board of Management

TheBoard of Directorsnumbers 13;

• Chief of Staff – AVM RS Wickramaratne
• Deputy Chief of Staff -Air Vice-Marshal
• Director General Air Operations –Air Vice MarshalKapila Wanigasooriya
• Director General Ground Operations –Air Vice MarshalWaruna Gunawardane
• Director GeneralAeronauticalEngineering-Air Vice MarshalSenanayake
• Director General General Engineering-Air Vice MarshalNihal jayasingha
• Director GeneralElectronics,Communication&ComputerEngineering –Air CommodoreJude perera
• Director GeneralLogistics–Air Vice MarshalWMKSP Weerasinghe
• Director GeneralAdministration–Air Vice MarshalRS Biyanwila
• Director GeneralConstruction Engineering–Air Vice MarshalUdula wijesinghe
• Director General Health Services –Air Vice MarshalLalith Jayaweera
• Director General Training –Air Vice MarshalBandu Edirisingha
• Director General Welfare –Air Vice MarshalDK Wanigasooriya

Commands

Main article:List of Sri Lankan air force bases

Air Commands

The air force has fourcommandsknown as Air commands, each under the control of anair officerfor command and administrative control. The zonal commands control all flying squadrons, aircraft and air defences; zonal Commanders are responsible for air and ground operations that have been decided upon by the Directorate of Operations at Air Force HQ.

Four Zonal Commands

• Eastern Zonal Command
• Northern Zonal Command
• Southern Zonal Command
• Western Zonal Command

Air Defence Command

The Sri Lanka Air Defence Command, based atSLAF Katunayake,is the SLAF command responsible for co-ordination of air and ground units to maintain integrated nationalair defence.National Air Defence System's main radar station situated at thePidurutalagalatallest mountain in Sri Lanka, at 2,524 m (8,281 ft). The No. 3 Air Defence Radar Squadron uses fourINDRA Mk-II2D radar systems and USFM radars provided by India, Chinese JY-11 low/medium altitude 3D surveillance radars and CETCYLC-183D radars.

Flying Squadrons

Main article:List of Sri Lankan Air Force aircraft squadrons

• No. 1 Flying Training Wing
• No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron
• No. 3 Maritime Squadron
• No. 4 (VIP) Helicopter Squadron
• No. 5 Jet Squadron
• No. 6 Helicopter Squadron
• No. 7 Helicopter Squadron
• No. 8 Light Transport Squadron
• No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
• No. 10 Fighter Squadron
• No. 14 Squadron
• No. 111 Air Surveillance Squadron
• No. 112 Air Surveillance Squadron

Branches and Trades

SLAF paratroopers

Directorate of Air Operations.

• General Duties Pilot Branch –PilotsandNavigators(commissioned officers)C4ISRconcept of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
• Operations Air Branch – Fighter Controllers andAir Traffic Controllers,RadarObservescontrol SLAF aircraft from the ground as well as Air defence and Fire fitting.

Directorate of Administration

• Administrative Branch –AdministrativeOfficers, Analyst, Legal OfficerHuman resourcesHuman Capitalmanagements and associated trades are involved with training management, record and information management,digital documentarchives,facility management, accounts, audit, dress and discipline, staff counselling, welfare, personnel and recruitment, media, public communication andinformation securityalso includes;LegalBranch, SLAFMilitary Band,Provost

Directorate of Aeronautical and General Engineering

• AeronauticalEngineering Branch –Engineering Officers,Aircraft maintenanceOfficers/Engineers and Aircraft mechanic, Fitters/Technician are employed to maintain and repair theAircraft,Aircraft structures,Composite repair,Airframe overhaul, Inspection service, Aircraft modificationPropulsion systems,autopilotsAero Instruments used by the SLAF.Aircraft Technicianmaintain, test, Inspection of Air frame, AeroEngine,Aircraft Electrical,Flight instruments,Flight Data Recorder,UAV,Aviation Safety,Quality assurance, Ground base and AirWeaponrysystems, Non-destructive test, Air safety,Airworthiness,Automotive and General technical maintenance and Research and development.

Directorate of Electronic, IT and Communication Engineering

• TelephoneOperator – Telephonists in the Sri Lanka Air Force are entrusted with a crucial and highlyresponsiblerole. Their work is essential in ensuring effective communication within the force, which is vital for maintaining operational efficiency andsecurity.These individuals are often the first point of contact in various situations, handling both routine and urgentcommunicationswith precision and reliability. Their ability to manage information flow, coordinate responses, and maintain confidentiality significantly contributes to the overall effectiveness and readiness of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The dedication and professionalism of telephonists are key to the smooth functioning of daily operations and the success of broadermilitaryobjectives.
• TelephoneOperator – Since 2015, qualified Sri Lanka Air Force telephonists have been recognized for their exceptionalskillsand dedication by being promoted to serve as telephonists to thePresidentof Sri Lanka. This significant promotion reflects their proficiency in handlinghigh-levelcommunicationsand underscores the critical role they play in maintaining effective and secure channels of communication at the highest levels of government. Their selection for this prestigious role highlights the trust and confidence placed in them by theAir Forceand the state, acknowledging their vital contribution toNational securityand leadership.
• ElectronicsEngineering Branch –Avionics/Technical officer, Avionics fitters/technical staff test, inspection maintenanceRadiotransceivers,Navigationalaids,Radar systems,Electronic warfareco-ordinate and manage Airborne Radar, Electronics Countermeasures, Voice and Data transmission and reception equipment mounted on aircraft, weapon delivery navigation systems, ground base and air defence automation, Air field Communication & Navigation systems.C4ISRconcept of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
• TelecommunicationOfficer/Telecom technician managecable,networks infrastructure, radio relaymicrowavebackbone, point-to-point link, point-to-multi point,routing,switching,private auto branch exchange(PBX),videoteleconference,VoIPtelephony,telemetryinstrumentationInternet over things, officeautomation,intruder detection systems, and CCTV systems.
• ITOfficers/Radio Operator/Air communicators, Computer Assistant,System administratorAnalysis/Database AdministratorDatabase management developing e-application,Cybersecurity,SignalsCommunication Information Systems (ICS) and Communication & Information systems are any systems whose primary functions are to collect, process or exchange information andInformation and communications technologyICT security.

Directorate of Logistics

• Logistic-Supply chain managements, procurement, Equipment officer and Load Masters,Aviation Fuelquality control,Air Cargo,Air Movements – MOVCON, Property managementinventories,physical verification, property disposal,catering,Receiving &Inspectionaircraft spares and Aircraft spare depot-ASD.

Directorate of Civil Engineering

• Airfield Construction Branch –Civil engineeringandmechanical engineering/electrical engineers,power transmission,Alternative power, Green power, Airconditioning and Infrastructure, accommodation, Air field Construction and maintenance water treatment and waste water managements.

Directorate of ground Operations

• Operations Ground – Officers and Air/ground intelligence Air Gunners;Special airborne gunners, paratroopers, rescue team, it hasinfantry,paratrooperand light armoured units to protect against ground attack and defend against air attack with ground-to-air defence units, explosive ordnance disposal EOD
  • Special Airborne Force– The first elitespecial forcesSWATunit for VIP Protection in SLAF.
  • SLAF Regiment Special Force– The elitespecial forcesunit of the SLAF.

Directorate of Health Services

• Medical Branch –Aviation medicinespecialists, medical officers, nurses, paramedics
• Dental Branch-Dental surgeons, Dental assistants

Equipment

Aircraft

Aircraft	Origin	Type	Variant	In service	Notes
Combat aircraft
Chengdu J-7	China	Fighter	F-7GS	5
IAI Kfir	Israel	Multirole	Kfir C-2	5
Maritime patrol/Reconnaissance
Beechcraft Super King Air	United States	Maritime patrol	King Air 200	2
			King Air 350	1	Gifted by the Australian Government
			King Air 360ER	1	Donated by the United States
Dornier 228	Germany/India		Do-228-101	2
Transport
Antonov An-32	Russia	Transport	An-32B	4
Harbin Y-12	China	Utility	II & IV	8
Lockheed C-130	United States	Transport	C-130K	2	Waiting for overhaul
Helicopters
Bell 206	United States	Utility	Bell 206A Bell 206B	4
Bell 212	United States	Transport		8
Bell 412	United States	VIP	Bell 412EP	8
Mil Mi-17	Russia	Transport	Mi-171E Mi-171Sh	28
Mil Mi-24	Russia	Attack	Mi-35V	9	In storage
Trainer
Chengdu J-7	China	Conversion trainer	FT-7	1
Hongdu JL-8	China	Attack/Jet trainer	K-8	7
Cessna 150	United States	Utility	Cessna 150L	6
UAV
EMIT Blue Horizon 2	Israel	UCAV		Unknown
Lihiniya MK I	Sri Lanka	UAV	MK IE	2

AnAntonov An-32of the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron.

A C-130H performs at the 70th Independence Day celebration

ABell 212in flight.

NOTE: FiveIAI Kfirsare being refurbished back to flying condition, withBlock 60improvements, the work is being performed byIsrael Aerospace Industries

Ordnance

Name	Origin	Type	Notes
Air-to-air missile
PL-5	China	IRguidedAAM
Air-launched rocket
S-8	Russia	air-launched rocket	Application for the Mi-24 helicopter
General-purpose bomb
Mark 84	United States	general-purpose
Mark 83	United States	general-purpose
Mark 82	United States	general-purpose

Air Defence

CETC YLC-18 3D Radar – Sri Lanka Air Force

Name	Origin	Type	Notes
SAM
9K38 Igla	Russia	man-portablesurface-to-air missile	54 systems provided by India in 2007
Anti-aircraft guns
L4040 mm	Sweden	AA gunautocannon
ZSU-23-2twin 23 mm	China	AA autocannon
TCM-20twin 20 mm	United States	AAheavy machine gun

Radars

Name	Origin	Type	Notes
JY-11 Radar	China	3DAir Search Radar	4 installations
CETC YLC-18	China	3DGuidance and Surveillance Radar
INDRA	India	Secondary surveillance radar	4 installations
USFM Radars	Netherlands	Air DefenceFire control radar	Working withBofors 40 mm L/60 guns

Deployments

Most of the Sri Lankan Air Force is deployed for domestic defensive operations, while a limited foreign deployment is maintained.

Domestic

• Air & ground operations are carried out from 20 bases around the country. These include 6air baseswith resident squadrons, 8 forward operationalairfields,4 ground stations, and 2 SLAF Regiment detachments.
• Security of theKatunayake International Airportis maintained by the SLAF Regiment.
• Ground-based air defence of infrastructure are carried out by the SLAF Regiment.

Foreign deployments

The Sri Lanka Air Force currently participates in several overseas deployments:

• Central African Republic- Since 2014, the SLAF has deployed the No. 62 Helicopter Flight consisting of threeMi-17helicopters and approx. 100 support personnel as part of theUnited Nations Mission in the Central African Republic.
• South Sudan- Since 2015, the SLAF deployed a second Helicopter Flight consisting of threeMi-17helicopters and approx. 100 support personnel as part of theUnited Nations Mission in South Sudan.

Training

A Sri Lankan Air Force Corporal

See also:Sri Lanka Armed Forces Training Institutions

Under the guidance of the British Royal Air Force, flight training was first offered to Royal Ceylon Air Force pilots atRAF Station Negombo,a RAF airfield atKatunayake,in 1952. In addition, a number ofcadet officersreceived flight training at theRoyal Air Force CollegeinCranwell,in Lincolnshire, England. After the British withdrew from their military facilities in Veylong in 1967, No. 1 Squadron (Flight Training School) was established at SLAF China Bay in Trincomalee. With the increase in Tamil separatist activities in the mid-1980s, the air force stepped up its training activities, bringing in foreign pilots to assist in the helicopter training program.

Basic officer training is carried out at theAir Force AcademyatSLAF China BayinTrincomalee.The academy offers a two-year program of basic flight training and a variety of specialised courses. Pilot training was carried out atSLAF Anuradhapuraby No. 1 Flying Training Wing usingCessna 150sfor basic training and Nanchang CJ-6 (PT-6) aircraft for intermediate training. This has since been moved to SLAF China Bay. Advanced jet training is carried out by No. 14 Squadron in K-8 Karakorums also based at SLAF China Bay. Specialised training for different types of aircraft is carried out by the respective Squadrons; this includes F-7 Skybolt, Kfir TC.2 and MiG-23UB aircraft used for this purpose by No. 5 Jet Squadron, No. 10 Fighter Squadron and No. 12 Squadron respectively at SLAF Katunayake. For training of transport pilots, Harbin Y-12s of No. 8 Light Transport Squadron are used; Bell 206s are used for helicopter training.TheGeneral Sir John Kotelawala Defence University(KDU) formed in 1981 and situated in Ratmalana, fourteen kilometres south ofColombo,is Sri Lanka's only university specialising in defence studies. Apart from postgraduate defence studies each year, approximately fifty cadets from all three services are admitted to the university (aged 18–22) to participate in a three-year programme of under graduate studies.

Initial Ground Combat Training for both officers and other ranks of both regular and volunteer forces, are carried out separately atSLAF Diyatalawain the garrison town ofDiyatalawa,it also conducts advanced training for SLAF regiment officer cadets. Following training at SLAF Diyatalawa, general duties (pilot) branch officer cadets are sent to the Air Force Academy for flight training, and airmen and airwomen are sent to Advanced and Specialised Trade Training School for specialised training in different trades.Air traffic controllersreceive schooling at special facilities in Colombo as well as officer cadets from other branches. In addition, approximately twenty-five officers a year receive advanced training abroad, most commonly in Britain,Indian Air Forceand, in recent years, at theUnited States Air Force Academy.

Senior officersof the ranks ofSquadron LeaderandWing Commanderfollow theCommand and Staff Courseat theDefence Services Command and Staff College(DSCSC) at Batalanda, Makola which was established in 1997 as the Army Command and Staff College or at theSLAF Junior Command & Staff CollegeatSLAF China BayinTrincomalee.With the former leading to a Masters Of Science (Defence Studies) degree from the KDU. Senior officers destined forair officer rankattend the prestigiousNational Defence College(NDC) in Colombo which is the highest level of training leading to a Master of Philosophy from the KDU. The air force continuous to send its senior officers for overseas training.

Training establishments

• Air Force Academy–SLAF China Bay
  • SLAF Junior Command & Staff College– SLAF China Bay
  • Combat Training School – SLAF China Bay
  • NCO Management School – SLAF China Bay
• Training Wing – SLAF Diyatalawa – Ground combat Recruit course
• Basic, Advanced & Specialized Trade Training School (TTS) – SLAF Ekala.Aircraft Technician,fixed wingandrotary wing,airframe,powerplant,aviation electronics,andsafety;training by Methods of Instruction Course (MIC)-qualified TradeInstructors/Master Instructors
• Basic Trade Training School – SLAF Katunayake. Non-technical administrative, IT training and basic Technical staff
• Regimental Training Centre – SLAF AmparaCombatand EOD
• Gunner Training School – SLAF PalalyInstructors

Training Squadrons

• No. 1 Flying Training Wing–SLAF China BayPilotNavigators
• No. 14 Squadron–SLAF China Bay

SLAF Regiment

Main article:Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment

Sri Lanka Air ForceUnibuffelAPC

Sri Lanka Air Force APC

SLAF Regiment combat flight

The passing-out parade of SLAF SF

TheSri Lanka Air Force Regimentis a ground combat corps within the Sri Lanka Air Force, responsible for capturing and defendingairfieldsand associated installations. Effectively, its members are the SLAF'ssoldiers.SLAF Regiment is responsible for protecting all its airfields and installations using infantry and light armoured units. Ground-based air defence of vital military and civil installations is carried out by this regiment.

SLAF Regiment Special Force

Main article:Regiment Special Force

Regiment Special Forceis an elite Special Forces unit of the Sri Lanka Air Force, part of the SLAF Regiment. It provides highly effective land-based defence and beyond-forward-defence-line assault capabilities.

SLAF Special Airborne Force

Main article:Special Airborne Force

TheSpecial Airborne Force(SABF) is an eliteAirborne forcesunit of the Sri Lanka Air Force, part of the SLAF Regiment. It provides highly effectiveair assaultcapabilities and VVIP protection. Formed out of the Administrative Regiment Branch in 1989 byAir Vice MarshalOliver Ranasinghe,it initially under took counter insurgency operations during the1987–1989 JVP insurrectionand thereafter in theSri Lankan Civil Warfor VIP protection under the Chief Provost Marshal, until it was transferred under the command of Directorate Of Ground Operations.

Air Force Police

Air Force Police (AFP) is responsible for maintaining discipline and enforcement of law and order within the SLAF and its establishments. Members of the AFP are distinguished by their white-topped caps and red 'AFP' flashes on the sleeve of their uniforms.

Helitours

Main article:Helitours

The Sri Lanka Air Force has launched domestic flight routes to provide a service to the people travelling to Jaffna in the north, Trincomalee in the north east, and to Seegiriya. As the SLAF is not a commercial organisation, and this aviation service was mainly built up as a non-profit public service. Helitours has been in operation since 1983 but due to the civil war operations were restricted. The SLAF is once again launching frequent flights and besides Helitours, it is also operating charter flights to give the people a further choice and reliable service.

Currently Harbin Y-12 fixed-wing aircraft are being used for passenger transportation. AnAntonov An-32will also be in operation in the near future to provide more capacity along with sixXian MA60s.All the charter flights are commenced from Ratmalana Air Force Base.

Air Force museum

A hangar of the SLAF Museum

Main article:Sri Lanka Air Force Museum

The Sri Lanka Air Force museum is the only national museum dedicated entirely to aviation and the history of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The museum was first established in 1993 as the Aircraft Preservation and Storage Unit at SLAF Ratmalana and was reopened on 5 November 2009 after refurbishment. The museum exhibits historic aircraft, vehicles, uniforms and weapons. The museum consists of the main hangar, outdoor exhibits and hangar numbers 1, 2 and 3.

Monuments

On 2 March 2024, SLAF honoured and commemorated the exemplary service rendered by theMi-24helicopters during theSri Lankan Civil War,subsequent to their introduction in 1995. This act of recognition was symbolised by the unveiling of a monument situated in the vicinity of theDefence Headquarters Complex,Akuregoda,Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte.

Personnel

Sri Lanka Air Force Women in parade in 2012

Parama Weera Vibhushanaya recipients

TheParama Weera Vibhushanayais the highest award for valour awarded in the Sri Lankan armed forces. Air Force recipients include;

• Wing-CommanderTyron Silvapulle†

Notable fallen members

Over 23,790 Sri Lankan armed forces personnel were killed since beginning of the civil war in 1981 to its end in 2009, this includesair officerskilled in active duty.659 service personnel were killed due to the second JVP insurrection from 1987 to 1990. 53 service personnel were killed and 323 were wounded in the first JVP insurrection from 1971 to 1972.Notable fallen members includes;

• Air CommodoreShirantha Goonatilake†– Commanding Officer,No. 1 Flying Training Wing
• Group CaptainD. S. Wickramasinghe†– Senior Staff Officer, Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering
• Group CaptainRoger Weerasinghe†– Zonal Commander, Northern Zone
• Group CaptainJagath Rodrigo†– Commanding Officer, No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
• Wing CommanderThilina Kaluarachchi†– Officer Commanding Operations, No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron

Women in the Sri Lanka Air Force

Main article:Sri Lanka Air Force Women's Wing

The first female officers to join the air force were in 1972, to theVolunteer Air Force,at present women are recruited to both the regular andvolunteerforces as both officers and airwomen to theSLAF Women's Wing.

Accidents

See also:List of aviation accidents and incidents in Sri Lanka

• 1 February 1960: ABAC Jet Provostcrashed into the Negombo lagoon following a flame out, with its pilot, pilot officer Noel H. Lokuge safely ejecting.
• 1960: aBAC Jet Provostcrashed into the coconut trees surrounding RCyAF Katunayake, killingFlight LieutenantShaheer Sally.
• 12 April 1971: ABAC Jet Provostlost power and crashed on its approach to RCyAF Chinabay, following a bombing run. Its pilotSergeant pilotRanjith Wijetunga was killed.
• 22 January 1996: aMil Mi-17helicopter crashed into sea near Vettilakerny. 39 crew and passengers were reported missing.
• 21 January 1997: aIAI Kfircrashed into the Negombo lagoon. Pilot ejected safely.
• 7 December 1996: aBell 212landed in enemy controlled territory due to technical problems; crew and passengers, includingGeneralAnuruddha Ratwatte,Deputy Defence Minister evacuated and aircraft destroyed by the Sri Lanka Army.
• 20 January 1997: aY-12crashed, killing four.
• 21 February 1997: aAntonov An-32Bcrashed at Ratmalana airport following aborted take-off, killing four.
• 15 March 1997: aFMA IA 58 Pucarácrashed in the Kaudala area following a premature explosion of ordinance on release. Pilot ejected and was recovered.
• 16 September 2000: aMil Mi-17helicopter crashed onBible Rock,killing all 17 passengers and crew, includingM. H. M. Ashraff,Minister of Shipping, Ports and Rehabilitation.
• 9 June 2004: AMikoyan MiG-27crashed into the Negombo Lagoon. The pilot ejected seconds before impact.
• 1 March 2007: aPT-6trainer aircraft crashed near SLAF Anuradhapura. Both the trainer and the instructor was killed.
• 27 November 2009: AMil Mi-24crashed inButtalain the Monaragala district killing all 4 on board.
• 1 March 2011: TwoIAI KfirscrashedYakkalafollowing a mid-air collision. Flight LieutenantMonath Pererawas killed, while Squadron Leader Vajira Jayakody ejected safely.
• 13 February 2012: aMikoyan MiG-27crashed while on a training mission, the pilot safely ejected.
• 12 December 2014: AnAntonov An-32crashed nearAthurugiriyawhilst on a routine flight from SLAF Katunayake to SLAF Ratmalana. Four members of the crew, including the pilots Squadron Leader J.M.W.N. Abeywardena and Flight Lieutenant A.A.D.T. Amaratunge were killed, while the fifth crewmen was rescued with critical injuries.
• 25 May 2016: ABell 206crashed atHingurakgoda Airport.The pilot survived.
• 29 May 2017: AMil Mi-17helicopter crashed near Baddegama during rescue and relief operations. All crew members survived, unhurt.
• 3 January 2020: AHarbin Y-12crashed inHaputaleduring a routine flight. All 4 occupants on board were unfortunately killed.
• 15 December 2020: A Chinese-manufacturedPT-6,a primary trainer aircraft, which took off fromChina Bay Airportcrashed nearKantale,Sri Lankakilling the trainee pilot on board.
• 27 April 2022: ABell 206was involved in an accident at Hingurakgoda Airport. The pilot was unhurt and the helicopter was heavily damaged.
• 7 August 2023: A Chinese-manufacturedPT-6,a primary trainer aircraft, crashed shortly after departing fromChina Bay Airport,resulting in the fatalities of the two officers who were on board.Following this incident, the Sri Lanka Air Force grounded the entire PT-6 aircraft fleet until a thorough investigation is conducted and completed.
• 12 January 2024: AMil Mi-17helicopter, deployed for UN peacekeeping operations in theCentral African Republicas part ofMINUSCA,crash-landed northeast ofBriadue to adverse weather conditions. The pilot and the four crew members emerged unharmed from the incident.

See also

• Military ranks and insignia of the Sri Lanka Air Force
• List of military aircraft of Sri Lanka
• Sri Lanka Air Force Academy
• Sri Lanka Army
• Sri Lanka Navy

Further reading

• Tennekoon, E. V., & De Silva, M. (1994).The History of the Sri Lanka Air Force.Colombo, Commander, Sri Lanka Air Force.ISBN955-9256-00-9

External links

• Official website
• Ministry of Defence Sri Lanka
• General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy(archived)
• Chronological Listing of Ceylonese / Sri-Lankan Flight Ejections(archived)
• Defending the Nation from dizzy heights(archived)