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Last Updated : 2024-05-19 08:43:00
21 February 2022 01:22 pm - 19 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) today said the United States government will grant two maritime surveillance aircraft (Beechcraft 360ER) to the Sri Lanka government, free of charge, through the Foreign Military Sales Contract to be operated by SLAF.
Responding to the Daily Mirror story titled “U.S Company to deliver Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft to Sri Lanka”, Air Force Spokesman Dushan Wijesinghe said the first aircraft will be delivered in late 2022 or early 2023 to SLAF.
He said the United States government has agreed to provide two maritime surveillance aircraft to the SLAF under Foreign Military Sales Contract in strengthening the maritime surveillance capability in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to ensure the maritime security in the region following a request made by present Commander of Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana.
SLAF requested Beechcraft 360ER twin-turboprop aircraft produced by Textron Aviation which is a light transport aircraft certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in United States and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Spokesman said.
SLAF has been operating Beechcraft B-200 aircraft over period of decades which is earlier versions of Beechcraft family, has accumulated ample experiences on operational and maintenance aspects. The established operational and maintenance capabilities are one of main advantage that SLAF possesses in future operation of new B-360ER aircraft, Group Captain Wijesinghe said.
These aircraft will be deployed for the maritime surveillance operations which is a demanding requirement in present day context that was heavily urged for respond maritime disasters such as fire onboard MT New Diamond and X Press Pearl, assisting deep sea rescue missions, monitor illegal fishing activities and to assist Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in combating transnational crimes including human smuggling as well as drug trafficking in EEZ.
This aircraft will be incorporated next generation technologies that enhance the operational capabilities and state-of art surveillance equipment worth of millions will be provided along with aircraft FOC basis which is an invaluable contribution in terms of funds as a result of long term discussions between the Commander of Air Force and US Embassy in Sri Lanka.
This will enhance the maritime surveillance capability of SLAF in Indian Ocean region, the spokesman further said.
Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas was awarded the total contract by US Department of Defence (DOD) and the project will be completed in September 2025 after delivery of second aircraft as confirmed by US DOD, he said.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)
sam Monday, 21 February 2022 01:30 PM
Sad, no commissions
MirakRajBanda Monday, 21 February 2022 01:33 PM
Nothing comes free of charge! Better read the Terms
Curious Monday, 21 February 2022 01:38 PM
Hmm, free gifts from Uncle Sam. That does not sound right! I'm sure the aircrafts will have a lots of strings attached! :) if indeed they are free!
Kapila Monday, 21 February 2022 01:40 PM
Better strip it to the wire and see If there any spy equipment hidden inside. A little history lesson would show that such things have happened in the past
Jeya Kanagasundaram Monday, 21 February 2022 01:50 PM
We will accept anything free including dollars Mr. Sam.
Seb Monday, 21 February 2022 02:08 PM
Too bad there is no fuel to fill them up :-)
Citizen k Monday, 21 February 2022 02:11 PM
I smell a rat.
Arnold Monday, 21 February 2022 02:20 PM
Beechcraft are recreational aircraft that people use for fun.
Neighbour Monday, 21 February 2022 02:42 PM
Maintenance, servicing, spare parts will have to be bought. Over a few years time these expenses will outweigh the cost of the aircrafts. Senior citizens will know that government railways got Diesel engines as a Colombo plan gift. Later maintenance cost, servicing, spare parts were found to be very expensive. SL paid through its nose. Why not ask India ? If we need I mean really need surveillance planes go to India.
Man Monday, 21 February 2022 02:44 PM
For awarding the monopoly of LNG by his citizen?
Kana Monday, 21 February 2022 02:54 PM
Whoever gave petroleum free
NIHAL BERNARD DHARMATILEKE Monday, 21 February 2022 03:01 PM
Well..well what has happened to the so called MCC hysteria. No shame,no pride,only boast about the country’s past. Yesterday is history, tomorrow hasn’t come Make the present a happy one.
N SENA Monday, 21 February 2022 08:03 PM
WE SMELL A RAT
METAL Monday, 21 February 2022 11:43 PM
Even India buy High tech equipment from US
Buddhist Tuesday, 22 February 2022 01:33 AM
What assurance is there that these aircraft are not for senior politicians' use? They are civilian aircraft.
Think Positive Tuesday, 22 February 2022 04:30 AM
WOW! That's a wonderful gift to a great country. Thank you, USA. ... oh, wait... that's ME! Thank you, Me! That's a nice gift to a wonderful and deserving country. All the best to Sri Lanka!
Lumbini Tuesday, 22 February 2022 04:56 AM
Looks like many people are suspicious. If these are coming from China, all will be happy. What a country!
Lankan Tuesday, 22 February 2022 06:29 AM
The US, Britain, Canada, Australia and Japan have always helped Sri Lanka and provided lots of aid build infrastructue etc. virtually free and help develop the country wthout strings attached. They say a friend in need is a friend indeed.
Lankan Tuesday, 22 February 2022 06:29 AM
The US, Britain, Canada, Australia and Japan have always helped Sri Lanka and provided lots of aid build infrastructue etc. virtually free and help develop the country wthout strings attached. They say a friend in need is a friend indeed.
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