US provides Rs. 1.2 Billion satellite communications system to Sri Lanka Navy

Colombo, June 22 (Daily Mirror) - The United States today announced the provision of a Fleet Broadband satellite communications system worth approximately US$4 million (over Rs. 1.2 billion) to the Sri Lanka Navy, in a move aimed at strengthening maritime security and connectivity across the Indian Ocean.

The announcement was made by U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur during a visit aboard SLNS Gajabahu at the Port of Colombo. Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekara and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda hosted the visiting U.S. official.

During the visit, the officials held discussions on expanding maritime cooperation and the role of advanced U.S. satellite communications technology in safeguarding international shipping lanes, supporting regional disaster response, and combating illicit activities across the Indian Ocean.

The Fleet Broadband system, manufactured by Cobham and Inmarsat, will be installed across the Sri Lanka Navy's fleet of offshore patrol vessels. The technology provides secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, enabling reliable voice, data, and information sharing while operating far beyond coastal waters.

According to the U.S., the new system will enable the Sri Lanka Navy to maintain real-time connectivity with headquarters, aircraft and other vessels across vast maritime areas, strengthening maritime domain awareness, improving operational coordination, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and supporting efforts to interdict vessels involved in illicit trafficking and protect key international shipping routes.

Speaking at the event, Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur said the technology represents a transformational upgrade for the Sri Lanka Navy, ensuring uninterrupted communications across its offshore patrol vessel fleet. He said the capability would help Sri Lanka respond more effectively to emergencies, protect commercial shipping, and counter illegal activities in the Indian Ocean.

Deputy Minister of Defence Aruna Jayasekara said the introduction of the Fleet Broadband system significantly enhances Sri Lanka's maritime domain awareness and further strengthens defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States. He noted that the technology will improve fleet-wide connectivity, support real-time situational awareness, facilitate information sharing with regional partners, and reinforce the security and reliability of international shipping lanes.