5 December 2023 03:33 pm
The Sri Lanka Air Force initiated preparations to purchase the aircraft in 2017 for the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Y-12IV aircraft. A contract was signed on 16 December 2019 between the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation.
The Y-12IV aircraft is a Short Take Off and Landing (STOL) aircraft that serves as a versatile light transport aircraft. This particular model, an improved version of the Y-12, incorporates extended wing tips and an increased take-off weight, enhancing its performance capabilities.
In addition to fulfilling operational, search and rescue needs, the Air Force Commander highlighted the unique capability of these aircraft to support tourism promotion. Each aircraft has a capacity for 15 passengers. The Commander highlighted the unique ability of the Y-12IVs to land on 90% of Sri Lanka's runways, making them ideal for promoting tourism in remote and picturesque locations.
State Minister of Defence Pramitha Bandara Tennakoon, Security Advisor to the President Sagala Ratnayaka, Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratna, Chief of Defence Staff Shavendra Silva, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and several other officials attended the induction ceremony held at the Ratmalana SLAF Base.