10TH EDITION OF C-130 AND FIGHTER LOGISTICS AND SAFETY SYMPOSIUM (LASS) – 2026 FOCUSES ON REGIONAL COOPERATION
The C-130 and Fighter Logistics and Safety Symposium (LASS), organized annually by the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF), took place from 20 to 22 April 2026. This year’s event was hosted by the Sri Lanka Air Force as part of its 75th anniversary, under the guidance of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. Air Force personnel and subject matter experts from nine countries Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and the United States of America participated in the symposium. The sessions were conducted at Cinnamon Life City of Dreams, where participants shared knowledge, discussed logistics and safety practices and explored ways to strengthen regional cooperation in C-130 and fighter operations.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks from Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and PACAF Deputy Commander, Air Vice Marshal David Titheridge followed by comprehensive country overview and safety briefing by the Lead Planner of LASS – 26, Wing Commander Kasun Kumara. Over the consecutive three days, participants engaged in a series of in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing sessions covering critical areas of logistics, safety and operational readiness. As such, key thematic areas addressed during the symposium included Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations with shared experiences from the participants, Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreements (ACSA) highlighting cooperative logistical frameworks, PACAF A4 (Logistics operations) Leadership perspectives and insights from Integrated Procurement Technologies (IPT). Further, Safety management practices and operational sustainment strategies within both C-130 and fighter aircraft domains were discussed and finally the Country specific briefings were presented by each participating country.
As such, the symposium provided a vital platform for open dialogue, enabling each participating nation to present its unique operational experiences, challenges and best practices. Furthermore, the exchange of knowledge and expertise significantly enhanced mutual understanding and reinforced collective capabilities in logistics and safety management.
In addition to the professional engagements, a formal closing ceremony was held graced by Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias and Defence Attache of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, Planning Coordinator of LASS – 26, Colonel Anthony J. Mullinax and Lead Planner of LASS - 26, with a cultural showcase to symbolize the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation among the participating nations.
The symposium commenced with opening remarks from Director General Planning, Air Vice Marshal Deshapriya Silva and PACAF Deputy Commander, Air Vice Marshal David Titheridge followed by comprehensive country overview and safety briefing by the Lead Planner of LASS – 26, Wing Commander Kasun Kumara. Over the consecutive three days, participants engaged in a series of in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing sessions covering critical areas of logistics, safety and operational readiness. As such, key thematic areas addressed during the symposium included Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations with shared experiences from the participants, Acquisition and Cross Servicing Agreements (ACSA) highlighting cooperative logistical frameworks, PACAF A4 (Logistics operations) Leadership perspectives and insights from Integrated Procurement Technologies (IPT). Further, Safety management practices and operational sustainment strategies within both C-130 and fighter aircraft domains were discussed and finally the Country specific briefings were presented by each participating country.
As such, the symposium provided a vital platform for open dialogue, enabling each participating nation to present its unique operational experiences, challenges and best practices. Furthermore, the exchange of knowledge and expertise significantly enhanced mutual understanding and reinforced collective capabilities in logistics and safety management.
In addition to the professional engagements, a formal closing ceremony was held graced by Director General Air Operations, Air Vice Marshal Dhammika Dias and Defence Attache of the United States of America in Sri Lanka, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew House, Planning Coordinator of LASS – 26, Colonel Anthony J. Mullinax and Lead Planner of LASS - 26, with a cultural showcase to symbolize the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation among the participating nations.
Day 01
Day 02
Day 03
Day 03