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U.S. transfers 10 TH-57 helicopters to Sri Lanka Air Force
The United States has transferred ten TH-57 (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force on January 7, strengthening the country’s aerial capabilities in pilot training, disaster response, and emergency operations.
According to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the transfer was carried out under the U.S. Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, with the aircraft provided at no cost. The move is also expected to further enhance defense cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka.
The TH-57 Sea Ranger, a military variant of the commercial Bell Jet Ranger 206, was previously used by the U.S. Navy primarily for pilot training, as well as for utility, photo, and chase missions. The helicopters will now be incorporated into the Sri Lanka Air Force fleet to support training requirements and improve operational readiness.
DSCA stated that it worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo and the U.S. Navy International Program Office to ensure a smooth transfer and handover process.
The acquisition is expected to significantly strengthen Sri Lanka’s disaster response capabilities, which faced major challenges during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025. At that time, a shortage of operational aircraft hampered evacuation efforts and search-and-rescue missions across affected areas.
The first batch of helicopters is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February.
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