No. 4 VVIP/VIP HELICOPTER SQUADRON CELEBRATES 58TH ANNIVERSARY
4:14pm on Thursday 1st June 2023
No. 4 VVIP/VIP Helicopter Squadron of the SLAF celebrated its 58th anniversary today (01 June 2023). The anniversary commenced with the customary working parade on the squadron premises. The occasion was marked by the restoration of one of the abandoned buildings of the National Institute of Mental Health, Mulleriyawa, under the guidance of the Commanding Officer of No. 4 Squadron, Group Captain Dulip Hewavitharana, with the participation of Squadron personnel.
Founded in 1955 as a separate Flight of No. 2 Squadron, by today No 4 Helicopter Squadron has grown in professionalism and reputation as one of the most experienced operational Squadrons of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Not limiting itself to one sphere, No. 4 Squadron operates its helicopters in various configurations and modes in order to fulfil its operational aims. The operational record of Squadron in the North and East insurgency is legendary, where it took part in almost all of the major operations and campaigns until 1994 and some of the major operations after 1994, flying countless combat sorties totaling more than 46,000 combat flying hours.
No. 4 Helicopter Squadron is fondly called "HOME OF THE HELICOPTER PILOTS" as it was the very first helicopter Squadron established by the Sri Lanka Air Force. From its establishment until 1994, it was the main institution for carrying out Basic and Advanced helicopter conversions and subsequent career upgrades for helicopter pilots.
No. 4 Squadron serves with the utmost pride while engaging in the transportation of local and foreign dignitaries by using its variants of Bell 212, 412/412EP and Mi-171E helicopters.
Its 58 years of dedicated service to the nation are to be highlighted with many milestones that have been accomplished by the extreme devotion of the Squadron personnel, including past serving members.
Founded in 1955 as a separate Flight of No. 2 Squadron, by today No 4 Helicopter Squadron has grown in professionalism and reputation as one of the most experienced operational Squadrons of the Sri Lanka Air Force. Not limiting itself to one sphere, No. 4 Squadron operates its helicopters in various configurations and modes in order to fulfil its operational aims. The operational record of Squadron in the North and East insurgency is legendary, where it took part in almost all of the major operations and campaigns until 1994 and some of the major operations after 1994, flying countless combat sorties totaling more than 46,000 combat flying hours.
No. 4 Helicopter Squadron is fondly called "HOME OF THE HELICOPTER PILOTS" as it was the very first helicopter Squadron established by the Sri Lanka Air Force. From its establishment until 1994, it was the main institution for carrying out Basic and Advanced helicopter conversions and subsequent career upgrades for helicopter pilots.
No. 4 Squadron serves with the utmost pride while engaging in the transportation of local and foreign dignitaries by using its variants of Bell 212, 412/412EP and Mi-171E helicopters.
Its 58 years of dedicated service to the nation are to be highlighted with many milestones that have been accomplished by the extreme devotion of the Squadron personnel, including past serving members.
