NO. 111 UAV SQUADRON CELEBRATES 17TH ANNIVERSARY
1:19pm on Tuesday 3rd June 2025
The No. 111 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Squadron at SLAF Base Vavuniya, celebrated its 17th anniversary on 01 June 2025. To commemorate the occasion, the customary working parade was held at the squadron parade ground and was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander PWDB Rathnayake.
The origin of UAV operations in Sri Lanka trace back to 1996, with the formation of No. 11 UAV Flight at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda under the command of Flight Lieutenant DS Talagala. The squadron was later re-established at SLAF Bases Vavuniya and Anuradhapura, playing a pivotal role in aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
During the Humanitarian Operation, the squadron utilized Searcher MK II UAVs to conduct extensive surveillance over LTTE-controlled areas. These operations provided real-time intelligence critical to the tri-services and were a decisive factor in the success of the mission.
Currently, the No. 111 UAV Squadron is actively involved in operating Lihiniya, Sri Lanka’s indigenous UAV, contributing to the SLAF’s technological advancement through research and development. Under the squadron’s command, a dedicated Drone fleet was established on 08 February 2022 at SLAF Station Katukurunda and also conducting Drone Operator training courses to SLAF, sister services, Police and civil organizations by the qualified and experienced Drone instructors in this Squadron.
To support national security and disaster management efforts, Drone teams have been deployed to 10 SLAF establishments, enabling real-time, short-range intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities across the country.
The origin of UAV operations in Sri Lanka trace back to 1996, with the formation of No. 11 UAV Flight at SLAF Base Hingurakgoda under the command of Flight Lieutenant DS Talagala. The squadron was later re-established at SLAF Bases Vavuniya and Anuradhapura, playing a pivotal role in aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
During the Humanitarian Operation, the squadron utilized Searcher MK II UAVs to conduct extensive surveillance over LTTE-controlled areas. These operations provided real-time intelligence critical to the tri-services and were a decisive factor in the success of the mission.
Currently, the No. 111 UAV Squadron is actively involved in operating Lihiniya, Sri Lanka’s indigenous UAV, contributing to the SLAF’s technological advancement through research and development. Under the squadron’s command, a dedicated Drone fleet was established on 08 February 2022 at SLAF Station Katukurunda and also conducting Drone Operator training courses to SLAF, sister services, Police and civil organizations by the qualified and experienced Drone instructors in this Squadron.
To support national security and disaster management efforts, Drone teams have been deployed to 10 SLAF establishments, enabling real-time, short-range intelligence gathering and surveillance capabilities across the country.
