NO. 3 MARITIME SQUADRON CELEBRATES 7TH ANNIVERSARY AT SLAF ACADEMY CHINA BAY
No. 3 Maritime Squadron, based at SLAF Academy China Bay, proudly celebrated its 7th anniversary on 11 January 2026 since its re-establishment, marking 29 years of dedicated operational service to the nation.
The Squadron plays a vital role in safeguarding the sovereignty of Sri Lanka through a wide spectrum of missions, including Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), as well as Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control Operations. These missions are aligned with the Sri Lanka Air Force’s contribution towards strengthening national security and supporting sustainable development.
At present, No. 3 Maritime Squadron is equipped with two state-of-the-art aircraft—the King Air 350 and the King Air 360ER. These aircraft significantly enhance the Squadron’s operational capabilities and extend its surveillance range, thereby strengthening maritime security, protecting national sovereignty and providing vital support for Sri Lanka’s blue economy initiatives.
The 7th anniversary celebrations commenced with the customary working parade, which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Gayan Bowatte. In commemoration of the anniversary, the Squadron also organised a ‘Shramadana’ campaign on 10 January 2026 at the Samudrasanna Temple, China Bay, along with a tree-planting programme.
With a clear vision for the future, No. 3 Maritime Squadron continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and uphold professional excellence in support of national maritime security and sustainable development.
The Squadron plays a vital role in safeguarding the sovereignty of Sri Lanka through a wide spectrum of missions, including Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Search and Rescue (SAR), Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR), as well as Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control Operations. These missions are aligned with the Sri Lanka Air Force’s contribution towards strengthening national security and supporting sustainable development.
At present, No. 3 Maritime Squadron is equipped with two state-of-the-art aircraft—the King Air 350 and the King Air 360ER. These aircraft significantly enhance the Squadron’s operational capabilities and extend its surveillance range, thereby strengthening maritime security, protecting national sovereignty and providing vital support for Sri Lanka’s blue economy initiatives.
The 7th anniversary celebrations commenced with the customary working parade, which was reviewed by the Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Gayan Bowatte. In commemoration of the anniversary, the Squadron also organised a ‘Shramadana’ campaign on 10 January 2026 at the Samudrasanna Temple, China Bay, along with a tree-planting programme.
With a clear vision for the future, No. 3 Maritime Squadron continues to strengthen its operational capabilities and uphold professional excellence in support of national maritime security and sustainable development.
