STRENGTHENING MARITIME SURVEILLANCE AS SLAF FLEET SUBSTITUTES NEW DORNIER-228 AIRCRAFT FOR ANOTHER ONE YEAR OPERATIONS
4:31pm on Wednesday 16th August 2023
In a significant stride towards enhancing Sri Lanka's maritime surveillance capabilities, the Sri Lanka Air Force welcomed a new Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft on 16 August 2023. This pivotal addition follows the successful completion of a year-long mission by its predecessor, marking a seamless transition in safeguarding our nation's coastal and maritime interests.
The journey to reinforcing our aerial surveillance capabilities began during bilateral security discussions held on 9 January 2018, in New Delhi between India and Sri Lanka. Acknowledging the need to fortify maritime surveillance capabilities, the Government of India generously offered a Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft from the Indian Navy in the year 2022. The initial aircraft was ceremonially handed over under the auspices of the chief guest, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Gopal Baglay at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake in the last year.
The Dornier-228 aircraft swiftly ingrained itself in Sri Lanka's defense framework, executing a wide array of vital operations during its year of dedicated service. It played a pivotal role in maritime and coastal surveillance operations, monitoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka's airspace and exclusive economic zone. Additionally, it proved invaluable in executing search and rescue missions, swiftly responding to emergencies and maintaining maritime pollution monitoring and control efforts.
As part of its regular maintenance cycle, the initial Dornier-228 aircraft underwent annual mandatory maintenance services in India, a testament to the commitment to sustaining peak operational performance. In its replace today (16 August 2023), the successor Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was inducted into the SLAF fleet, ensuring the seamless continuation of our nation's vigilant defense posture.
The substitution ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief of Staff of the President’s Office and Senior Presidential Advisor on National Security, Mr Sagala Rathnayake, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Gopal Baglay, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd), Defence Adviser to the High Commission of India, Captain Vikas Sood and the Chief of Staff along with Members of the Air Force Board of Management accepting the aircraft on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.
This remarkable addition stands as a testament to the unwavering collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in securing our maritime interests. The SLAF remains committed to upholding the highest standards of surveillance and defense, ensuring the safety and prosperity of our nation and its citizens.
The journey to reinforcing our aerial surveillance capabilities began during bilateral security discussions held on 9 January 2018, in New Delhi between India and Sri Lanka. Acknowledging the need to fortify maritime surveillance capabilities, the Government of India generously offered a Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft from the Indian Navy in the year 2022. The initial aircraft was ceremonially handed over under the auspices of the chief guest, the Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Ranil Wickramasinghe and the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Gopal Baglay at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake in the last year.
The Dornier-228 aircraft swiftly ingrained itself in Sri Lanka's defense framework, executing a wide array of vital operations during its year of dedicated service. It played a pivotal role in maritime and coastal surveillance operations, monitoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka's airspace and exclusive economic zone. Additionally, it proved invaluable in executing search and rescue missions, swiftly responding to emergencies and maintaining maritime pollution monitoring and control efforts.
As part of its regular maintenance cycle, the initial Dornier-228 aircraft underwent annual mandatory maintenance services in India, a testament to the commitment to sustaining peak operational performance. In its replace today (16 August 2023), the successor Dornier-228 maritime surveillance aircraft was inducted into the SLAF fleet, ensuring the seamless continuation of our nation's vigilant defense posture.
The substitution ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Chief of Staff of the President’s Office and Senior Presidential Advisor on National Security, Mr Sagala Rathnayake, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Gopal Baglay, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd), Defence Adviser to the High Commission of India, Captain Vikas Sood and the Chief of Staff along with Members of the Air Force Board of Management accepting the aircraft on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka.
This remarkable addition stands as a testament to the unwavering collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in securing our maritime interests. The SLAF remains committed to upholding the highest standards of surveillance and defense, ensuring the safety and prosperity of our nation and its citizens.
