SLAF to procure four MI-17 Choppers and repay through UN peacekeeping mission revenue

4 May 2021 04:36 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lanka Air Force to procure four MI - 17 Helicopters under the Russian Military Credit Facility as a result of years of negotiations between the Government of Russia and Sri Lanka.

SLAF Spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said the four aircraft are expected to be procured by the SLAF for future UN peacekeeping operations and it is confident that Sri Lanka will be able to repay the loan with the foreign exchange earned by contributing to the operation.

The spokesman said there is a growing social opinion spreading across the country as to whether it is time to aquire aircraft when the country is battling Covid pandemic.

He said the Government is not spending money on this project at this time.

The Russian government has agreed to provide the loan at a very low interest rate as well as a long-term repayment structure, the spokesman said.

The SLAF has been attached to the UN peacekeeping mission since 2014, with two Air Force Squadrons assigned to peacekeeping missions in South Sudan and Central African Republic, he said.

"These squadrons have provided US$112 million or approximately Rs. 22,400 million to the Treasury this year alone," he said.

He said the MI-17 helicopters of SLAF have been used for UN peacekeeping missions and that a large amount of foreign exchange has been pumped into our coffers.

"At present, six SLAF's MI-17 helicopters are actively engaged in UN peacekeeping operations. In the event of a chopper that is found malfunctioning during the operation, a replacement chopper will be deployed for the continuation of the peacekeeping mission.

Sri Lanka has an agreement and if it fails to do so, the SLAF will have to withdraw from the UN peacekeeping mission. If so, it will be a great loss to the national economy," Group Capt. Wijesinghe said.

The MI-17 helicopters were first introduced to the SLAF in 1993. At present it has 21 MI-17 helicopters, of which about 10 are in operation.

The remaining choppers need to be repaired, the spokesman said.( Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

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Comments - 20

Sanje Tuesday, 04 May 2021 04:45 PM

Udayanga... The Man.

Sachith Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:37 PM

next step would be ,send those 11 choppers to repairs and pay more money than buying new 11. I think he is the best candidate for 2025

RoaringCreek Tuesday, 04 May 2021 05:27 PM

The revenue earned from peace keeping missions are from public funds. It is not Air Force money. It is just a veil for these unnecessary spending at this hour.

Peter Tuesday, 04 May 2021 05:33 PM

Some know the taste of commission bind with these deals, anyway how reliable what captain is saying

Cisco Tuesday, 04 May 2021 05:54 PM

Here guys are asking for a loan for purchasing COVID 19 vaccine. On the other hand purchasing helicopters and justification also there. What a shame of our country and priorities mixed up.

A Tuesday, 04 May 2021 05:58 PM

Wow word priorty is gone thru the window???

Sokrates Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:00 PM

It is unacceptable that Sri Lanka is selling its soldiers as mercenaries. UN soldiers receive a fixed wage from the UN in addition to their normal wages, depending on their rank. Not so Sri Lankan soldiers. They only get a fraction of the UN pay. The Sri Lankan government collects the majority.

being human Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:00 PM

Primarily procure Vaccines

PF Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:20 PM

Please repair the 11 and use them for the UN peacekeeper mission South Sudan

69 brigade Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:32 PM

When people don't even have an ambulance!

Anton Weerasinghe Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:33 PM

This is what Sri Lanka need urgently, need of the hour

IdioticBrain Tuesday, 04 May 2021 06:37 PM

Four is not enough. We need several of them to protect our mother land

Europe Tuesday, 04 May 2021 07:26 PM

What a contradiction? A loan from war country and dictatorship Russia for peacekeeping??? Look what Russia does in the war with Ukrain.

Chris Tuesday, 04 May 2021 07:29 PM

And what happens if UNHCR matter compels cancellations of the UN military engagements? Article would have been complete if an explantionwas given why over 50% of the fleet is grounded for repairs? Inefficient or disorganized?

Chamarilatha Wednesday, 05 May 2021 06:04 AM

Great thinking by the Govt. Spend billions to earn millions! This is what happens when senile old men are in charge of the economy. This is the need of the hour for a country heading for disaster. This is more like a means of quick getaway.

Chamarilatha Wednesday, 05 May 2021 06:04 AM

Great thinking by the Govt. Spend billions to earn millions! This is what happens when senile old men are in charge of the economy. This is the need of the hour for a country heading for disaster. This is more like a means of quick getaway.

Lumbini Wednesday, 05 May 2021 06:50 AM

Should not discuss this. Remember, Lasantha Wickramathunge?

Sambo Wednesday, 05 May 2021 07:14 AM

So someone is going to get a big present.

Sambo Wednesday, 05 May 2021 07:18 AM

The health department is planing on fighting the Corona Virus with MI 17 chompers.

Shane Croner Wednesday, 05 May 2021 10:24 AM

Not Spending Money... but Taking a Loan ???? What happens if there is a ceasefire/peace deal No requirement for peace keepers... I suppose we can give them a part of Sri Lanka on a 99 year lease....

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SLAF to procure four MI-17 Choppers and repay through UN peacekeeping mission revenue

Comments - 20

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