SLAF STRENGTHENS MARITIME SURVEILLANCE WITH INDUCTION OF BEECHCRAFT KING AIR 350
4:45pm on Thursday 12th December 2024
The Sri Lanka Air Force formally inducted the novel Beechcraft King Air 350 today (12 December 2024) at a ceremony headed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) as the Chief Guest. The event was further honoured by the presence of the High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Paul Stephens and the Commander Joint Agency Task Force – Operation Sovereign Boarders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, as Guests of Honour. This aircraft will be assigned to No. 03 Maritime Squadron at SLAF Academy China Bay, marking a major step forward in Sri Lanka's maritime surveillance operations.

The acquisition resulted from extensive discussions between the governments of Sri Lanka and Australia, focused on enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime surveillance capabilities. The Royal Australian Air Force, agreed to provide the Beechcraft King Air 350 to the SLAF on a gratis basis, thereby strengthening the country’s capacity to secure its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and maintain maritime security within Sri Lanka’s Flight Information Region (FIR).

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the Chief Guest, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). He was received by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa. Following the arrival of the dignitaries, the newly inducted Beechcraft King Air 350 performed its maiden salute to the Chief Guest and made its way to the apron at the No. 08 Squadron, where it was greeted with a water cannon salute, creating a graceful arc of water as the aircraft passed beneath.

Upon its arrival at its new home, the Defence Secretary, accompanied by the Australian High Commissioner and the Commander Joint Agency Task Force – Operation Sovereign Boarders, was escorted by the Commander of the Air Force to inspect the interior of the aircraft. Subsequently, Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, formally opened the proceedings with the welcome address. In his remarks, he emphasized the significance of the day's events in marking a new chapter in the defence cooperation between the two nations, particularly in the realm of maritime security. He extended his gratitude to the Government of Australia and the Royal Australian Air Force for their continued support. Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa further highlighted that this advanced ISR platform will not only strengthen the maritime security but also expand humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) capabilities, contributing to collective security efforts in the Indian Ocean Region. Moreover, it will aid in combating transnational crime and help Sri Lanka fulfil the regional peace and security responsibilities through enhanced maritime surveillance, monitoring and patrolling.

The ceremony proceeded with the formal signing of documents symbolizing the transfer of the Beechcraft King Air 350 to the Sri Lanka Air Force. This significant moment was chaired by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and the Commander Joint Agency Task Force – Operation Sovereign Boarders, Rear Admiral Brett Sonter, marking the official handover.

The Australian High Commissioner and the Commander of the Joint Agency Task Force – Operation Sovereign Borders later addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in tackling shared challenges and overcoming obstacles to prevent illegal maritime activities.

Before the conclusion of the ceremony, the Chief Guest, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), addressed the gathering, expressing gratitude to the Government of Australia on behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka for their continued support in strengthening national security within Sri Lankan territory.

The event concluded with the Commander of the Air Force presenting memorabilia to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Commander Joint Agency Task Force – Operation Sovereign Boarders, marking the end of this momentous occasion.


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