The inauguration of No.01 Basic Fighter Controllers’ Course (BFCC) was held on 25 April 2024 at SLAF Base Katunayake by taking a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of National Air Defence System (NADS) in Sri Lanka. Director Air Defence of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Vice Marshal SDGM Silva graced the occasion as the Chief Guest whilst the Director Air Traffic Services, Air Commodore PC Dissanayake along with number of distinguished Officers attended the event. 

The particular training programme aims to train a new set of officers to perform duties as Fighter Controllers who play a vital role in NADS. Conducting a BFCC locally would eliminate external reliance, promote continuous knowledge transfer, and foster the development of a skilled pool of Fighter Controllers.

Upon the guidance of Director General Air Operations and Director Air Traffic Services and approval of the Commander of the Air Force, BFCC has been designed to provide fundamental theory and practical knowledge on Air Defence subjects and to develop the essential skills. The course will be conducted primarily at No.01 Air Defence Radar Squadron, SLAF Base Katunayake for a duration of 16 weeks including a practical session of 4 weeks at Air Defence Command and Control Centre SLAF Station Mirigama.

As the first ever Fighter Controllers’ Course conducted in Sri Lanka, it marks a remarkable milestone in Air Defence training of SLAF.