SLAF SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES HELICOPTER ROTATION FOR MINUSCA
11:39pm on Wednesday 23rd September 2026
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) has successfully concluded the latest helicopter rotation in support of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), further strengthening its sustained aviation contribution to UN peacekeeping operations.
As part of the rotation, SLAF Mi-17 helicopter SMH 695 was dispatched from Sri Lanka to the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit at MINUSCA on 17 September 2026, following the completion of its Time Between Overhaul (TBO). The helicopter was transported aboard through a UN-provided AN-124 aircraft together with approximately 9,000 kg of essential cargo, including Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo and critical aircraft spares required to sustain the operational capability of the Aviation Unit.
Simultaneously, Mi-17 helicopter SMH 682, which had completed its operational tenure with MINUSCA and was due for overhaul, was returned to Sri Lanka together with approximately 8,500 kg of cargo.
The successful completion of this comprehensive aircraft and cargo rotation marks a significant milestone in ensuring the sustainability, operational readiness and continued aviation capability of the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit deployed with MINUSCA. The timely rotation of aircraft, together with the movement of essential spares and mission-critical equipment, enables the contingent to maintain its readiness to undertake a wide range of aviation tasks in support of the UN mandate.
The Sri Lanka Aviation Unit has made a sustained contribution to MINUSCA since 2014, providing vital aviation support including troop movement, reconnaissance, search and rescue, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC and cargo transportation. During its 12 years of dedicated service to the mission, the Unit has accumulated more than 15,700 flying hours.
In addition to its operational and peacekeeping significance, Sri Lanka’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions serves as an important avenue for generating foreign exchange revenue for the country. Through its sustained participation in UN missions, the Sri Lanka Air Force has contributed significantly in recent years towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings and supporting the Government’s broader efforts to enhance foreign exchange inflows.
The successful execution of this helicopter rotation demonstrates the professionalism, logistical capability and operational preparedness of the Sri Lanka Air Force in sustaining an aviation contingent within a demanding UN operational environment. It further consolidates the SLAF’s contribution to international peacekeeping efforts and reinforces its role as a reliable and capable partner in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
As part of the rotation, SLAF Mi-17 helicopter SMH 695 was dispatched from Sri Lanka to the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit at MINUSCA on 17 September 2026, following the completion of its Time Between Overhaul (TBO). The helicopter was transported aboard through a UN-provided AN-124 aircraft together with approximately 9,000 kg of essential cargo, including Dangerous Goods (DG) cargo and critical aircraft spares required to sustain the operational capability of the Aviation Unit.
Simultaneously, Mi-17 helicopter SMH 682, which had completed its operational tenure with MINUSCA and was due for overhaul, was returned to Sri Lanka together with approximately 8,500 kg of cargo.
The successful completion of this comprehensive aircraft and cargo rotation marks a significant milestone in ensuring the sustainability, operational readiness and continued aviation capability of the Sri Lanka Aviation Unit deployed with MINUSCA. The timely rotation of aircraft, together with the movement of essential spares and mission-critical equipment, enables the contingent to maintain its readiness to undertake a wide range of aviation tasks in support of the UN mandate.
The Sri Lanka Aviation Unit has made a sustained contribution to MINUSCA since 2014, providing vital aviation support including troop movement, reconnaissance, search and rescue, CASEVAC, MEDEVAC and cargo transportation. During its 12 years of dedicated service to the mission, the Unit has accumulated more than 15,700 flying hours.
In addition to its operational and peacekeeping significance, Sri Lanka’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions serves as an important avenue for generating foreign exchange revenue for the country. Through its sustained participation in UN missions, the Sri Lanka Air Force has contributed significantly in recent years towards strengthening Sri Lanka’s foreign exchange earnings and supporting the Government’s broader efforts to enhance foreign exchange inflows.
The successful execution of this helicopter rotation demonstrates the professionalism, logistical capability and operational preparedness of the Sri Lanka Air Force in sustaining an aviation contingent within a demanding UN operational environment. It further consolidates the SLAF’s contribution to international peacekeeping efforts and reinforces its role as a reliable and capable partner in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Dispatched of Mi-17 helicopter SMH 695
Return of Mi-17 helicopter SMH 682
