SLAF CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL HELICOPTER SMEE PROGRAMME WITH MONTANA NATIONAL GUARD AND US COAST GUARD
The Helicopter Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) programme among the SLAF, the Montana National Guard and the United States Cost Guard was successfully concluded at SLAF Base Ratmalana and Katunayake.
The programme was conducted by the SLAF from 4 to 8 August 2025, with the participation of aviation professionals from both forces. The opening ceremony was held with the distinguished presence of the Base Commander of SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Amitha Jayamaha, as the Chief Guest.
Four subject matter experts from the Montana National Guard and United States Cost Guard specializing in search and rescue operations, maintenance and logistics, participated in the programme. The SLAF was represented by a diverse group of professionals, including experienced pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, Regiment Special Forces (RSF) personnel and medical crew, contributing their operational knowledge and expertise to the exchange.
The primary objective of this expert exchange was to establish a collaborative learning platform for the sharing of knowledge and operational experience in helicopter-based HADR missions. The sessions focused on enhancing mission planning, coordination strategies, aircrew survivability, and integration of HADR capabilities in disaster response frameworks.
Participants took part in both theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations, showcasing helicopter rescue techniques, aerial insertion/extraction procedures, and integration of SAR operations in multi-agency disaster response scenarios. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to address operational challenges and to adopt best practices in conducting effective and safe aerial search and rescue missions.
The programme was conducted by the SLAF from 4 to 8 August 2025, with the participation of aviation professionals from both forces. The opening ceremony was held with the distinguished presence of the Base Commander of SLAF Base Ratmalana, Air Commodore Amitha Jayamaha, as the Chief Guest.
Four subject matter experts from the Montana National Guard and United States Cost Guard specializing in search and rescue operations, maintenance and logistics, participated in the programme. The SLAF was represented by a diverse group of professionals, including experienced pilots, aircraft engineers, technicians, Regiment Special Forces (RSF) personnel and medical crew, contributing their operational knowledge and expertise to the exchange.
The primary objective of this expert exchange was to establish a collaborative learning platform for the sharing of knowledge and operational experience in helicopter-based HADR missions. The sessions focused on enhancing mission planning, coordination strategies, aircrew survivability, and integration of HADR capabilities in disaster response frameworks.
Participants took part in both theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations, showcasing helicopter rescue techniques, aerial insertion/extraction procedures, and integration of SAR operations in multi-agency disaster response scenarios. These sessions provided a valuable opportunity to address operational challenges and to adopt best practices in conducting effective and safe aerial search and rescue missions.