The rotation of aircraft assigned to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions commenced today (28 June 2024) utilizing an UN-provided AN-124 aircraft.  Due to the high demand for the SLAF's operational capabilities and efficiency in UN Peacekeeping missions, one MI-17 helicopter was dispatched to the SLAF Aviation Contingent in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Following this deployment, an MI-17 helicopter currently assigned to MINUSCA will return to Sri Lanka on 01 July 2024, upon completion of its operational tenure.

The cumulative revenue generated for the National Treasury from UN Peacekeeping Missions since 2014 exceeds USD 127 million. This income has been derived from extensive flight hours, troop compensations and major equipment and self sustainment.

For the initial deployment, the SLAF had to build some infrastructure in the Central African Republic, which resulted additional costs. However, the SLAF has now successfully recovered the capital investments.