News
Beechcraft gifted by the United States to be used in maritime security: SL Air Force chief
View(s):By Dilushi Wijesinge
The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) inducted the Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft gifted by the United States on Thursday (10). The SLAF base in Katunayake welcomed the aircraft with a water cannon salute.
“This is a mission of camaraderie, where both nations come together to enhance the competencies in maritime security, commit to the notion of collective security and to ensure that the waters of Indian Ocean remain secure for generations to come,” SLAF Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said in his welcome address.
The Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon salute. Pix by Eshan Fernando
“Today’s ceremony is about much more than one aircraft,” Commander of the US Pacific Fleet, Admiral Stephen Koehler said. “It’s about the relationship between Sri Lanka and the United States. It’s about our shared values and the support for the rules-based international order. That order is based on values and ideals that have stabilised the world for generations. It includes preventing the change of borders by force, maintaining the freedom of the seas, and prohibitions against the use of mass destruction. It is the common cause our allies and partners rally around,” he said.
“This aircraft’s versatility will serve Sri Lanka Air Force in various critical roles, including gun interdiction, combating trafficking and smuggling by enabling real-time data transmission with the aircraft’s advanced data reading system which facilitates simultaneous information sharing, crucial for timely decision-making in maritime operations,” Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) said.
“As partners, the United States shares Sri Lanka’s vision that security is a collective responsibility, as our seas connect us. Maritime domain awareness is crucial to safeguarding Sri Lanka’s maritime trade routes, which are the lifeblood of its economy,” US Ambassador Julie Chung said.
The aircraft will be assigned to No 3 Maritime Squadron at SLAF Academy China Bay for maritime surveillance operations. The Light Transport Aircraft possesses the capability to travel 1,450 nautical miles.
A team of pilots, observers, flight engineers and technicians from the SLAF has received a specialised training in the USA on the Beechcraft King Air 360ER.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!