NO 8 SQUADRON CELEBRATES SILVER JUBILEE
11:47am on Saturday 3rd April 2021
The No 8 Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force celebrated its Silver Jubilee today (2 April 2021). The Squadron did so by assisting one of their own personnel to complete building his home, enabling him and his family to be secured with the basic need of a shelter. The recipient was selected owing to his perseverance in completing his house on his own without being in debt to any bank or individual.
The customary Working Parade which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Poojana Gunathilake was held at the Squadron premises. The contribution was handed over by Commanding Officer followed by a tree planting ceremony to commemorate its 25 years of service to the nation. The celebration was concluded with a friendly cricket match amongst the squadron personnel.
The Squadron which was established in 1996 was previously known as the No 201 Squadron. The Y-12 aircraft has been utilized for a multitude of air operations ranging from surveillance missions, casualty evacuation missions, medical evacuation, VVIP/VIP transport, search and rescue operations and even for pilot conversion training in to multi engine platforms. The Y-12 aircraft has also been used for offensive air operation missions by dropping improvised aerial bombs on enemy targets during the initial stages.
The Beech King 200 aircraft which was inducted in to this Squadron was converted to a highly sophisticated surveillance aircraft with day and night capabilities. This platform emerged as a force multiplier during the final stages and the live imagery received was used by all levels of decision makers to make timely and accurate decisions.
With the end of hostilities in 2009, the Squadron was entrusted with peace time applications of air power. Surveillance of illegal activities on ground and at sea in support of law enforcement agencies, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations during times of natural calamities were some of the main activities undertaken by the Squadron. In the year 2011, two Xian MA-60 aircraft were inducted in to the Squadron aircraft fleet. This was to strengthen the commercial arm of the SLAF.
The customary Working Parade which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Poojana Gunathilake was held at the Squadron premises. The contribution was handed over by Commanding Officer followed by a tree planting ceremony to commemorate its 25 years of service to the nation. The celebration was concluded with a friendly cricket match amongst the squadron personnel.
The Squadron which was established in 1996 was previously known as the No 201 Squadron. The Y-12 aircraft has been utilized for a multitude of air operations ranging from surveillance missions, casualty evacuation missions, medical evacuation, VVIP/VIP transport, search and rescue operations and even for pilot conversion training in to multi engine platforms. The Y-12 aircraft has also been used for offensive air operation missions by dropping improvised aerial bombs on enemy targets during the initial stages.
The Beech King 200 aircraft which was inducted in to this Squadron was converted to a highly sophisticated surveillance aircraft with day and night capabilities. This platform emerged as a force multiplier during the final stages and the live imagery received was used by all levels of decision makers to make timely and accurate decisions.
With the end of hostilities in 2009, the Squadron was entrusted with peace time applications of air power. Surveillance of illegal activities on ground and at sea in support of law enforcement agencies, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations during times of natural calamities were some of the main activities undertaken by the Squadron. In the year 2011, two Xian MA-60 aircraft were inducted in to the Squadron aircraft fleet. This was to strengthen the commercial arm of the SLAF.
