INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Embassy in Colombo announced that the Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, donated by the United States to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF),
will arrive in Sri Lanka next week.Funded by the U.S
search and rescue operations, drug interdiction, and combating trafficking and smuggling
statement added.This $19 million U.S
government grant includes the aircraft and support services, all provided at no cost to the Sri Lanka Air Force
maritime threats, the U.S
Embassy said.Following a training and induction period, the official handover is expected to take place later this year
As part of the collaboration, U.S
government personnel will conduct a three-month training program to ensure Sri Lanka Air Force personnel are fully equipped to operate and
maintain the aircraft.The aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft Textron Aviation and completed in late 2022, underwent additional upgrades,
including the installation of maritime patrol sensors like radar and cameras, which were finalized in mid-2024.From June to August 2024, Sri
Embassy said.Once in Sri Lanka, the aircraft will undergo further training and integration at the Ratmalana Air Force Base before joining
Maritime Patrol Squadron 3 in China Bay, Trincomalee.
