Sri Lanka Navy struggles to meet modern maritime standards

Outdated fleet poses challenges

Navy to expand training, acquisition amid capability gaps  

By 2030, the Sri Lanka Navy is set to reduce its strength to 40,000 personnel as part of a wider military downsizing

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

As the Indian Ocean continues to grow in importance as a critical corridor for global trade, maritime security and geopolitical activity, Sri Lanka’s strategic location places it firmly within this dynamic maritime environment. With increasing aspirations to become a key maritime hub in the region, the country’s reliance on the ocean is more significant than ever.   

However, questions are now being raised about whether the Sri Lanka Navy possesses the necessary capabilities to safeguard national interests at sea, despite having a substantial fleet on paper.   

Sri Lanka’s maritime responsibilities are vast. The country is assigned a 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and a Pollution Prevention Zone; combined, these maritime areas are approximately eight times the size of its landmass. In addition, Sri Lanka is tasked with managing a Search and Rescue (SAR) region nearly 27 times its land area.   

By 2030, the Sri Lanka Navy is set to reduce its strength to 40,000 personnel as part of a wider military downsizing and defence restructuring. The plan also includes expanding the Sri Lanka Coast Guard.  

According to the data, the Sri Lanka Navy maintains a broad and varied fleet. As of 2023, this included 8 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), 2 Fast Missile Vessels (FMVs), 11 Gun Boats, 2 Fast Patrol Craft (FPC), a Patrol Auxiliary, a Landing Ship Tank (LST), 2 Landing Craft Medium (LCM), 2 Landing Craft Utility (LCU), and 63 Inshore Patrol Craft (IPCs). The fleet also includes nearly 50 Fast Attack Craft (FAC).   

The existing fleet has over 3,600 personnel, but its eight capital ships, AOVPs, and OPVs lack credible surface and self-defence capabilities. 

The Daily Mirror learns that the majority of these assets are outdated, under-equipped, and in many cases, non-operational.  

These vessels are under-equipped and lack the versatility needed for a range of maritime security operations.  

The Fast Attack Craft squadron, once a key strike component, is now largely depleted.   

Maintenance costs are high, and many vessels are no longer seaworthy. Similarly, the FGS3 squadron, which includes older gunboats, has exceeded its operational life and is reportedly ineffective during patrols.  

One of the gifted Bay-class vessels reportedly face structural problems during rough seas. While Sri Lanka has added several OPVs and AOPVs to its fleet, most lack modern combat systems and equipped only with basic guns and outdated sensors.   

Attempts to join international missions like the CMF exposed these limitations, as the Navy fell short of minimum operational standards.   

The Sri Lanka Navy has faced difficulties in preventing unauthorized fishing activities by Indian bottom trawlers that frequently enter Sri Lankan waters. Incidents involving collisions between these steel-hulled vessels and Sri Lankan naval craft have raised operational and safety concerns.  

Beyond the fleet itself, air defence and harbour defences are also severely lacking. It is learnt that there is no coastal radar network with integrated detection capabilities. It is learnt that Sri Lanka remains highly vulnerable to underwater and drone attacks due to limited detection systems and the absence of modern air and underwater defence capabilities.  

Modern warfare now heavily relies on advanced drones for surveillance and precision attacks, making them a serious threat to naval forces. These drones can evade traditional defences and strike with speed and accuracy. As a result, strong air defence systems are crucial for any navy, using radar, missiles, and close-in weapons to detect and destroy incoming drones.  

Sources said that despite financial constraints, the government must recognize the urgent need to strengthen naval platforms, invest in modern technologies and enhance overall maritime readiness to protect national interests and uphold regional security.  

When contacted, Navy Spokesman Commander Buddhika Sampath said that despite current challenges, the Sri Lanka Navy is pursuing its modernization efforts.  

He said that under Sri Lanka’s acquisition policy, a naval team has already travelled to the United States to finalize a vessel procurement process.   

According to the initial plans, the Sri Lanka Navy is to acquire three vessels by the end of this year.  

Addressing concerns about the ageing fast attack craft, the spokesman said the Navy now employs them in adjusted operational patterns focused on anti-poaching and anti-drug missions, rather than traditional high-speed strike roles, to preserve their structural integrity.  

On the question of dealing with Indian trawlers, the spokesman rejected comparisons between naval craft and fishing vessels, saying that the SLN operates in accordance with international standards and professional protocols.   

He said that the Navy is not only focused on acquiring platforms and weapons, but is also actively investing in training and operational readiness.  

When commenting on the lack of air defence systems, the spokesman said that most navies around the world employ such systems based on the specific threats they face.   

He said that the Sri Lanka Navy is in the process of progressively acquiring these capabilities.  

“Our research and development is highly advanced. The Sri Lanka Navy is currently conducting simulator-based training on the operation of major vessels, and we have dedicated simulators for this purpose. We also use simulators to train personnel in handling Fast Attack Craft and weapons. Once the simulator phase is complete, we plan to move into physical, hands-on training. We are making steady progress,” he said.  

Commander Buddhika Sampath said that the Navy continuously conducts training and joint operations with international navies to further enhance their capabilities and interoperability.