11 February 2016 09:33 pm
SLAF Spokesman Group Captain Chandima Alwis said they were still carrying out feasibility studies to make a decision on purchasing multi-role fighter aircraft to replace its MiG and Kfir fleet.
“We are looking at options but we have not pushed to purchase Indian Tejas or China-Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets as claimed previously. These aircraft are regional aircraft which we have looked at among other aircraft including aircraft from European countries,” he said.
He said a time frame could not be declared about the final decision.
Indian Media yesterday reported that the Sri Lanka was a possible export customer to purchase India’s Light combat aircraft (LCA) Tejas, the multi-role light fighter that is in development with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Earlier, media reports said SLAF was about to sign an agreement with Pakistan to purchase eight JF-17 fighter jets, which was also denied by the SLAF.(Lahiru Pothmulla)