
NO 05 FIGHTER SQUADRON CELEBRATES 34TH ANNIVERSARY
6:04pm on Saturday 1st February 2025
The No 5 Fighter Squadron – Black Drongos, SLAF Base Katunayake celebrated its 34th anniversary today (01 February 2025). To commemorate the occasion, a parade was held at the squadron premises which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Malinga Senanayake. Following the parade, a tree-planting program was conducted within the squadron premises.
The squadron organized a Shramadana campaign at the Lakshmi Children’s Development Center and provided the children with essential school supplies on 28 January 2025 and it was followed by a ‘Bodhi Pooja’ at the Base temple on 30 January 2025. The event was presided by Ven Kudamaduwa Dharmaruchi Thero and event was attended by the all ranks of the squadron and their families.
This squadron was established on February 1, 1991, with the acquisition of two FT-5 jet trainers. In 2000, six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG 23UB trainer were inducted into the squadron to enhance its air interdiction and low level strike capability. Furthermore, contemporary and more advanced F-7GS fighter aircraft were introduced in 2007 to counter the rising LTTE air threat.
Today, No 5 Fighter Squadron, Black Drongos comprises the Chinese F-7 and K-8. Squadron continues to maintain its legacy in the present and future by safeguarding the Sri Lankan skies while providing advanced training for SLAF fighter pilots.












The squadron organized a Shramadana campaign at the Lakshmi Children’s Development Center and provided the children with essential school supplies on 28 January 2025 and it was followed by a ‘Bodhi Pooja’ at the Base temple on 30 January 2025. The event was presided by Ven Kudamaduwa Dharmaruchi Thero and event was attended by the all ranks of the squadron and their families.
This squadron was established on February 1, 1991, with the acquisition of two FT-5 jet trainers. In 2000, six Russian MiG-27 and one MiG 23UB trainer were inducted into the squadron to enhance its air interdiction and low level strike capability. Furthermore, contemporary and more advanced F-7GS fighter aircraft were introduced in 2007 to counter the rising LTTE air threat.
Today, No 5 Fighter Squadron, Black Drongos comprises the Chinese F-7 and K-8. Squadron continues to maintain its legacy in the present and future by safeguarding the Sri Lankan skies while providing advanced training for SLAF fighter pilots.











