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Several AF fighter jets, combat helicopters to be overhauled to boost air power

8 January 2021 07:34 am - 18     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Sri Lanka Air Force is to increase its air capability including combat aircraft within the year and it has already sent a number of aircraft including fighter jets Kfir and MI-17 for overhaul purposes overseas, air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana said yesterday.

Three Ukraine built Antonov-32 transport aircraft have already been sent to Ukraine for overhaul purposes

Cabinet of Ministers had already approved a proposal costing $49 million to overhaul and upgrade five Kfir fighter jets

“We have already initiated discussions with an Israeli Aircraft manufacturer to overhaul five Kfir fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force and within this month all will be finalised on this,” the Commander told the Daily Mirror.

He also said that the Cabinet of Ministers had already approved a proposal costing $49 million to overhaul and upgrade five Kfir fighter jets, which were in active service in the SL Air Force.

Air Marshal Pathirana also said that two C-130 aircraft (medium lift transport aircraft) of the SLAF will also be sent for overhaul purposes soon.

“Discussions are underway with Pakistan and most probably one C-130 will be sent there for overhauling while bids have already been called for Capital Overhauls and Service Life Extension for the second C-130 aircraft.”

He also revealed that three Ukraine built Antonov-32 transport aircraft of the SLAF have already been sent to Ukraine for overhaul purposes while another AN-32 will also be sent there soon for the same purpose.

Three more MI-17 combat helicopters, that were too on active duty during last two decades had already been sent to Lithuania for overhaul purposes. “There were several MI-35 combat helicopters, which are currently grounded and they will also be sent for overhaul and service life extension,” the Commander revealed.

Meanwhile, the Air Force Chief said that the SLAF is going to soon purchase two Chinese Y-12 aircraft, which are to be used for several purposes including transport, training, search and rescue missions.

He also said that four more small helicopters that are to be used for training purposes would be purchased and already bids are called for it. “For that purpose, we have received the Cabinet approval already,” he said.(SUNIL JAYASIRI)


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  Comments - 18

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  • Dharmasena Friday, 08 January 2021 09:14 AM

    Better to buy new ones rather than overhauling old ones which may not last long. New aircraft will also have newer technology and better fuel efficiency.

    K.L Pathirana Friday, 08 January 2021 10:21 AM

    Udayanga is back in action, continuation of the MIG deal to ripoff the taxpayer continues. We really don't need any outdated hardware even its given free. We are paying a premium price for overhauling junk to get fat paybacks, that's the sad reality.

    Jude Friday, 08 January 2021 10:22 AM

    Good IDEA !! 'Coz eastern threats escalating by the hour!! Keep the forces on alert!!!

    BigEars Friday, 08 January 2021 10:23 AM

    Udayangana in action?

    joshua Friday, 08 January 2021 12:11 PM

    get your priorities right...... Covid vaccines and repatriating the citizens should be the priority

    Trevor Friday, 08 January 2021 12:21 PM

    LOL!

    Dee Friday, 08 January 2021 02:02 PM

    Pleading for vaccine, lavish on Ukraine deals! Brings back memories a decade back!

    Upul Friday, 08 January 2021 02:57 PM

    Please begin to overhaul simplest jet engine in Sri lanka, invite foreign specialists, let them lern our engineers !

    Kathir Friday, 08 January 2021 04:41 PM

    The most important urgents are vaccin and repatriations of Sri Lankans. If you can't buy vaccins why do you want to spend money on old weapons???? Moda has ideas .

    Mohamed Ali Friday, 08 January 2021 04:46 PM

    If we have a threat from outside, India will save us or attack us together with our enemy. If India attacks us, China will come to help us. So we're safe anyway.

    Jansen Friday, 08 January 2021 08:22 PM

    How much commission is there in this deal. ????? In reality we do not need an air force as we can hand over our security to India and all this is a waste of good money.

    Buddhist Friday, 08 January 2021 08:38 PM

    Whom are we going to fight or kill this time? Indians?

    sara Friday, 08 January 2021 08:58 PM

    what's so hurry in these overhaling, overhaling... can the resources be used to improve the health care system in the current crisis time ?

    Ascot Dexter Friday, 08 January 2021 09:16 PM

    What is unfolding is a clear patterns of robbing the nation with unprecedented expenditures on overhauling Airforce assets - there is no war currently and why bother spending more valuable foreign currency. It's clear with the urgency of these aircraft services extensions - there must be some big crook behind all these deals.

    VJ Friday, 08 January 2021 11:36 PM

    To boost AirPower for what? Are we planning another war? Is the country threatened by another country? The only reason could be to make money on deals.

    CITIZEN Saturday, 09 January 2021 05:21 PM

    Udayanga W is at home. His expert advice would be valuable in your refurbishing venture!!!

    Ron Thursday, 27 May 2021 07:02 AM

    It should be case by case the Mi35, Mi17, AN32

    Ron Thursday, 27 May 2021 07:11 AM

    A country like Sri Lanka will need to have military capability as a deterrent factor


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