Sri Lanka Air Force
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The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF; Sinhala: ශ්රි ලංකා ගුවන් හමුදාව, romanized: Śrī Laṃkā guwan hamudāva; Tamil: இலங்கை விமானப்படை, romanized: Ilaṅkai vimāṉappaṭai) is the air arm and the youngest of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces. It was founded in 1951 as the Royal Ceylon Air Force (RCyAF) with the assistance of the Royal Air Force (RAF). The SLAF played a major role throughout the Sri Lankan Civil War. The SLAF operates more than 160 aircraft.
The
Mission statement
The mission statement of 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[2]
The Vision of 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[2]
History
Although Ceylonese had served in the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Government of Ceylon adopted the No. 102 Squadron RAF, no air units were formed as part of the Ceylon Defence Force. The newly established Dominion of Ceylon, under its first Prime Minister, D. S. Senanayake began 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.[3]
Royal Ceylon Air Force
As such the Royal 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 during
After Prime Minister
1971 Insurrection
The Royal Ceylon Air Force first went into combat in April 1971 when the
Sri Lanka Air Force
With Ceylon becoming a republic in 1972, the Royal Ceylon Air Force changed its name to the Sri Lanka Air Force along 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 of
With the closure of Air Ceylon in 1978, its Hawker Siddeley HS 748 transport 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
Rapid growth began in the mid-1980s, when the
After the Conflict started, the government worked rapidly to expand the SLAF inventory, relying largely on sources in
Government forces reportedly also used helicopters on bombing missions. A more effective bombing capability was provided by a small fleet of Chinese
In May 1987, the Sri Lankan military launched what make be known as Vadamarachchi 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 with Indian Air Force carrying out Operation Poomalai unopposed. The Indo-Sri Lanka Accord followed and the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) landed soon after to enforce peace. The arrival of the IPKF led to the start of the 1987–1989 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 four
In 1996 the SLAF acquired seven IAI Kfirs (six C.2s and one TC.2) from Israel[11] and 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 six
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 the pre-dawn attack by the LTTE on SLAF Katunayake air base, part of Bandaranaike International Airport about 35 km north of Colombo. Three military training aircraft and five civilian jets were also among the destroyed aircraft.[12] 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 from Ukraine to 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 its
In October 2008 the air force claimed its first air-to-air kill, when it reported that one of its Chengdu F-7G interceptors shot down a Zlín Z 43 of the LTTE air wing when it attempted to attack a military base in Vavuniya.[15] 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 the Sri Lanka Army in all major operations undertaken, including:
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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 airline Helitours, as well as undertaking international flights and deployments as part of humanitarian and UN peacekeeping operations.
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 the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad consisting of 122 personal.[16] This was followed by second contingent three Mi-17 helicopters and 81 personal to United Nations Mission in South Sudan.[17] In December 2014, SLAF C-130 of the No. 2 Heavy Transport Squadron flew a special humanitarian operation transporting essential spares and accessories for repair of the desalination facility in Male from 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.[18]
In April 2015, following the earthquake in Nepal the 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.[19] 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 the 2017 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 to Maldives carrying then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa into exile.[20]
Fleet modernization
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, two
By 2018, the SLAF has been considering increasing its fleet of transport helicopters with new purchases of 10–14
In 2021, SLAF announced plans to purchase two Harbin Y-12 aircraft from China.[30] Three Antonov-32 transports were overhauled in the Ukraine.[31] Tenders were called for four secondhand Bell 206B3 helicopters for the use as training helicopters.[30][32][33] The SLAF received the two new Y-12s in December 2023.[34] In 2024, the SLAF has approached the United States Air Force to acquire two C-130 Hercules.[35]
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 its
By 2009 SLAF operated three FT-7, three F-7BS, six
Maritime reconnaissance
Following the end of the war, SLAF shifted more focus on maritime patroling to counter smuggling in its territorial waters. To this extend it began looking to procure a dedicated maritime patrol aircraft. Attention was given in 2018 to the possibility of acquiring the Lockheed P-3 Orion with assistance from Japan.[51] In April 2019, it was reported that India was considering transferring a single Dornier 228 reconnaissance aircraft.[52]
In 2020, the SLAF has been in talks to acquire either Dornier Do228 or Beechcraft 360ER maritime reconnaissance aircraft from India and the United States respectively.[53][54][55][56][57] 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.[58] In August 2022, the Government of India, delivered one Dornier Do228 as a grant with another on order, following crew training.[59] The Australian Government has announced that it will gift a former Royal Australian Air Force Beechcraft KA350 King Air aircraft (registration A32-673) to the Sri Lankan Government in 2023 May.[60]
Indigenous UAV program
The SLAF has also embarked on the indigenous UAV program. The project started in 2011 with the
Organisation
Sri Lanka Air Force |
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Components |
General Information |
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History |
Aircraft |
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Leadership and ranks |
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Air Force Headquarters
The professional head of the air force is the Commander of the Air Force, as of 2023[update]
- Air Force Board of Management
The Board of Directors numbers 13;
- Chief of Staff – AVM RS Wickramaratne
- Deputy Chief of Staff - Air Vice-Marshal
- Director General Air Operations – Air Vice Marshal Kapila Wanigasooriya[66]
- Director General Ground Operations – Air Vice Marshal Waruna Gunawardane[67]
- Director General Air Vice Marshal Senanayake[68]
- Director General General Engineering-Air Vice Marshal Nihal jayasingha [69]
- Director General Air Commodore Jude perera[70]
- Director General Air Vice Marshal WMKSP Weerasinghe[71]
- Director General Air Vice Marshal RS Biyanwila[72]
- Director General Air Vice Marshal Udula wijesinghe[73]
- Director General Health Services – Air Vice Marshal Lalith Jayaweera[74]
- Director General Training – Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisingha[75]
- Director General Welfare – Air Vice Marshal DK Wanigasooriya[76]
Commands
Air Commands
The air force has four commands known as Air commands, each under the control of an air officer for 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 at
Flying 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
Directorate of Air Operations.
- General Duties Pilot Branch – C4ISRconcept of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
- Operations Air Branch – Fighter Controllers and Observescontrol SLAF aircraft from the ground as well as Air defence and Fire fitting.
Directorate of Administration
- Administrative Branch – Military Band, Provost
Directorate of Aeronautical and General Engineering
- Weaponry systems, Non-destructive test, Air safety,Airworthiness, Automotive and General technical maintenance and Research and development.
Directorate of Electronic, IT and Communication Engineering
- C4ISRconcept of Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.
- , intruder detection systems, and CCTV systems.
- Signals Communication Information Systems (ICS) and Communication & Information systems are any systems whose primary functions are to collect, process or exchange information and Information and communications technologyICT security.
Directorate of Logistics
- inventories, physical verification, property disposal, catering, Receiving & Inspectionaircraft spares and Aircraft spare depot-ASD.
Directorate of Civil Engineering
- Airfield Construction Branch – electrical engineers, power transmission, Alternative power, Green power, Air conditioning 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 has infantry, paratrooper and 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 elite special forces SWAT unit for VIP Protection in SLAF.
- SLAF Regiment Special Force – The elite special forcesunit of the SLAF.
Directorate of Health Services
- Medical Branch – Aviation medicine specialists, medical officers, nurses, paramedics
- Dental Branch-Dental surgeons, Dental assistants
Equipment
Aircraft
Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | In service | Notes |
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Combat Aircraft
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Chengdu F-7 | China | Fighter | F-7GS/BS | 5[79] | |
Maritime Patrol | |||||
Harbin Y-12 | China | patrol / transport | II | 1[80] | |
Super King Air | United States | maritime patrol | 200 | 2[79] | |
Dornier 228 | Germany/India | maritime patrol | 228-201 | 1[59] | 1 on order |
Transport | |||||
Harbin Y-12 | China | transport | Y-12 (II) / (IV) | 10[81] | |
Antonov An-32 | Ukraine | transport | 4[79] | ||
C-130 Hercules | United States | tactical airlifter | C-130K | 2[79] | |
Helicopters
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Bell 206 | United States | utility / liaison | 4[79] | ||
Bell 212 | United States | MEDEVAC / utility
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10[79] | ||
Bell 412 | United States | VIP / utility | 412EP | 8[82] | |
Mil Mi-17 | Russia | utility | Mi-17/171 | 10[83] | |
Mil Mi-24 | Russia | attack | Mi-24/35
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9[79] | |
Trainer Aircraft
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Nanchang CJ-6 | China | basic trainer | 10[25][84] | ||
Cessna 150 | United States | light trainer | 6[82] | ||
Chengdu J-7 | China | jet trainer | FT-7 | 1[79] | licence-built version of the MiG 21
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Hongdu JL-8 | China | jet trainer | K-8 | 7[79] |
NOTE: Five IAI Kfir’s are being refurbished back to flying condition, with Block 60 improvements, the work is being performed by Israel Aerospace Industries[85]
Ordnance
Name | Origin | Type | Notes | |||
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Air-to-air missile | ||||||
PL-5 | China | IR guided AAM | ||||
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[86] | United States | general-purpose |
Air Defence
Name | Origin | Type | Notes |
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SAM | |||
9K38 Igla | Russia | man-portable surface-to-air missile
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54 systems provided by India in 2007 |
Anti-aircraft guns
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L40 40 mm | Sweden | AA gun autocannon | |
ZSU-23-2 twin 23 mm
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China | AA autocannon | |
TCM-20 twin 20 mm
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United States | AA heavy machine gun |
Radars
Name | Origin | Type | Notes |
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JY-11 Radar | China | 3D Air Search Radar | 4 installations [87] |
CETC YLC-18 | China | 3D Guidance and Surveillance Radar | |
INDRA | India | Secondary surveillance radar | 4 installations [88] |
USFM Radars | Netherlands | Air Defence Fire control radar
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Working with Bofors 40 mm L/60 guns[89] |
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 6 airfields, 4 ground stations, and 2 SLAF Regiment detachments.
- Security of the Katunayake International Airport is 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:
- Mi-17 helicopters and approx. 100 support personnel as part of the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic.[90]
- Mi-17 helicopters and approx. 100 support personnel as part of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.[91][92]
Training
Under the guidance of the British Royal Air Force, flight training was first offered to Royal Ceylon Air Force pilots at
Basic officer training is carried out at the
Initial Ground Combat Training for both officers and other ranks of both regular and volunteer forces, are carried out separately at
- 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
- Advanced & Specialized Trade Training School | A&STTS – SLAF Ekala. Aviation Electronics, Safety.
- Basic Trade Training School – SLAF Katunayake. Non-technical administrative, IT training and basic Technical staff
- Regimental Training Centre – SLAF Ampara Combat and EOD
- Gunner Training School – SLAF Palaly Instructors
- Training Squadrons
- Navigators
- SLAF China Bay
SLAF Regiment
The Sri Lanka Air Force Regiment is a ground combat corps within the Sri Lanka Air Force, responsible for capturing and defending
SLAF Regiment Special Force
Regiment Special Force is 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 Air Borne Force
The Special Airborne Force (SABF) is an elite
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
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. An
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 the
Personnel
Parama Weera Vibhushanaya recipients
The Parama Weera Vibhushanaya is the highest award for valour awarded in the Sri Lankan armed forces. Air Force recipients include;
- Wing-Commander Tyron 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 includes air officers killed in active duty.[97] 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.[98] Notable fallen members includes;
- Group Captain D. S. Wickramasinghe †– Senior Staff Officer, Directorate of Aeronautical Engineering
- Group Captain Roger Weerasinghe †– Zonal Commander, Northern Zone
- Group Captain Jagath Rodrigo †– Commanding Officer, No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
- Wing Commander Thilina Kaluarachchi †– Officer Commanding Operations, No. 9 Attack Helicopter Squadron
Women in the Sri Lanka Air Force
The first female officers to join the air force were in 1972, to the Volunteer Air Force,[7] today women are recruited to both the regular and volunteer forces as both officers and airwomen to the SLAF Women's Wing. As of 16 November 2020, two Lady Officers were commissioned in the General Duties Pilot Branch[100] and they can also join any other branch, including the SLAF Regiment and the Air Force Police.
Accidents
- 1 February 1960: A BAC Jet Provost crashed into the Negombo lagoon following a flame out, with its pilot, pilot officer Noel H. Lokuge safely ejecting.[101]
- 1960: a Flight SergeantShaheer Sally.
- 12 April 1971: A BAC Jet Provost lost power and crashed on its approach to RCyAF Chinabay, following a bombing run. Its pilot Sergeant pilot Ranjith Wijetunga was killed.[102][103]
- 22 January 1996: a Mil Mi-17 helicopter crashed into sea near Vettilakerny. 39 crew and passengers were reported missing.
- 21 January 1997: a IAI Kfir crashed into the Negombo lagoon. Pilot ejected safely.
- 7 December 1996: a General Anuruddha Ratwatte, Deputy Defence Minister evacuated and aircraft destroyed by the Sri Lanka Army.
- 20 January 1997: a Y-12 crashed, killing four.
- 21 February 1997: a Antonov An-32B crashed at Ratmalana airport following aborted take-off, killing four.
- 15 March 1997: a FMA IA 58 Pucará crashed in the Kaudala area following a premature explosion of ordinance on release. Pilot ejected and was recovered.
- 16 September 2000: a Mil Mi-17 helicopter crashed on Bible Rock, killing all 17 passengers and crew, including M. H. M. Ashraff, Minister of Shipping, Ports and Rehabilitation.[104]
- 9 June 2004: A Mikoyan MiG-27 crashed into the Negombo Lagoon. The pilot ejected seconds before impact.[105]
- 1 March 2007: a PT-6 trainer aircraft crashed near SLAF Anuradhapura. Both the trainer and the instructor was killed.[106]
- 27 November 2009: A Mil Mi-24 crashed in Buttala in the Monaragala district killing all 4 on board.[107]
- 1 March 2011: Two IAI Kfirs crashed Yakkala following a mid-air collision. Flight Lieutenant Monath Perera was killed, while Squadron Leader Vajira Jayakody ejected safely.[108]
- 13 February 2012: a Mikoyan MiG-27 crashed while on a training mission, the pilot safely ejected.[109]
- 12 December 2014: An Antonov An-32 crashed near Athurugiriya whilst 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.[110]
- 25 May 2016: A Bell 206 crashed at Hingurakgoda Airport. The pilot survived.[111]
- 29 May 2017: A Mil Mi-17 helicopter crashed near Baddegama during rescue and relief operations. All crew members survived, unhurt.[112]
- 3 January 2020: A Harbin Y-12 crashed in Haputale during a routine flight. All 4 occupants on board were unfortunately killed.[113]
- 15 December 2020: A Chinese-manufactured PT-6, a primary trainer aircraft, which took off from China Bay Airport crashed near Kantale, Sri Lanka killing the trainee pilot on board.[114][115]
- 27 April 2022: A Bell 206 was involved in an accident at Hingurakgoda Airport. The pilot was unhurt and the helicopter was heavily damaged.[116]
- 7 August 2023: A Chinese-manufactured PT-6, a primary trainer aircraft, crashed shortly after departing from China Bay Airport, resulting in the fatalities of the two officers who were on board.[117] Following this incident, the Sri Lanka Air Force grounded the entire PT-6 aircraft fleet until a thorough investigation is conducted and completed.[118]
- 12 January 2024: A Mil Mi-17 helicopter, deployed for UN peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic as part of MINUSCA, crash-landed northeast of Bria due to adverse weather conditions. The pilot and the four crew members emerged unharmed from the incident. [119]
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
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Further reading
- Tennekoon, E. V., & De Silva, M. (1994). The History of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Colombo, Commander, Sri Lanka Air Force. ISBN 955-9256-00-9