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Mission possible: SLAF takes to the skies with rightsizing, modernising
View(s):The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), shaped by decades of combat and post-war restructuring, is focused on downsizing to a smaller but more advanced entity by overhauling the existing fleet and upgrading technology. In an interview with the Sunday Times, newly-appointed Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe discussed his vision
By Dilushi Wijesinghe
‘Rightsizing’ the force
The SLAF expanded its personnel during the civil war to support ground operations. While recruitment continues at a reduced rate, numbers are set to shrink significantly over the next decade as wartime recruits reach the end of their 22-year service terms, with around 4,500 expected to retire between 2027 and 2032.
“We are currently at around 26,000 personnel but need to bring that down to about 20,000 by 2030,” the Commander explained. “This will happen automatically as those who joined during the war complete their service.”
With SLAF’s 74th anniversary falling tomorrow, the Commander said that, since he joined the Air Force in 1991, priorities have kept shifting. “Until 2009, we were a combat-oriented force, shaped by the demands of the civil war. Now that we have changed into a peacetime force, the focus is on training, nation-building and restructuring.”
However, budgetary constraints have impacted military spending resulting in aircraft being parked. “Now, our goal is to restore these aircraft to operational status,” he explains.
In a post-war environment, maintaining aircraft and retaining personnel create additional difficulties. “Some aircraft, such as the MI-24 attack helicopters, were placed in storage due to financial constraints. We are now working to revive them, as losing experienced pilots and technicians would be a bigger setback.”
The SLAF is also exploring possible solutions to budget limitations. “We are negotiating with overhaul companies to bring their services to Sri Lanka. This will allow our technicians to gain hands-on experience and eventually take over the maintenance process,” the Air Marshal says. “The airframe, we can do it even now. The only issue is that we don’t have the licence”.
Air Force Commander Bandu Edirisinghe. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Challenges in policing the Lankan airspace
“Policing Sri Lanka’s airspace comes with significant challenges,” the Commander explained. One of the biggest issues is the sheer size of the area they are responsible for. “Our responsibility extends 950 nautical miles south-southeast for search and rescue operations, but we don’t have enough assets to cover that entire area effectively.”
Enhancing maritime reconnaissance is critical, particularly in combating drug smuggling and human trafficking. “Our Flight Information Region (FIR) extends to 950 nautical miles, but we simply don’t have the aircraft to reach that distance right now,” he admitted. “As for the airspace above the island, we are not that much threatened by anyone, but policing it is the issue we have. We have given up with the MiG 27s, we have the F7s to do the policing part.”
Another limitation is the availability of dedicated surveillance aircraft. “Right now, we have only four dedicated aircraft for the role. The rest are transport planes that rely on visual observation, which isn’t ideal. We have requested more Beechcraft, which are cost-effective, high-altitude aircraft,” he said.
Beyond defence, the SLAF plays a crucial role in disaster relief operations. “We are fully equipped for humanitarian aid, but our MI-17 helicopters urgently require overhauls to increase airlift capacity. Out of 18 available in Sri Lanka, only two remain operational.” The SLAF also provides critical air ambulance services for patients in need.
Welfare programmes
and avenues of revenue
The SLAF has a Directorate of Welfare responsible for ensuring that personnel, particularly those who are disabled, and their families receive the support they need. Providing medical aid and financial assistance to the families of fallen personnel while also maintaining facilities to care for disabled servicemen are key facilities. A special fund assists those with urgent or specific needs.
The Air Force has started work on a residential care facility at the Katunayake Air Base where differently abled personnel could receive proper care. Its construction began in mid-2023, and the first twelve rooms are now being built, with plans for further expansion as funds allow.
The Air Force is also planning a hospital to provide better medical care. Land has been acquired in Narahenpita, although administrative challenges with the ministry need to be resolved before construction can proceed.
To sustain its welfare programmes, the SLAF generates revenue through various ventures, including ticketing services through Helitours (SLAF’s domestic airline company, that provides booking for local and international flights), dairy farms, banquet halls, and hotels.
While its Helitours service remains available for chartered flights, full-scale domestic flight operations are currently on hold due to financial and logistical constraints. “We lack the assets to fly domestically every day, but if somebody wants to go from point A to B, even tourists, they can charter us,” Air Marshal Edirisinghe said.
He emphasised, however, that the Air Force does not intend to compete with the private sector. “If we go and operate scheduled domestic flights, we will be entering the normal domestic market, hindering the growth of private sector airlines,” he said. “We have bigger aircraft and if we enter that space, we will take all their customers. We are not going to start scheduled flights yet. If we get the assets, yes, we can think about it—but not in a way that hinders the domestic market.”.
The Air Force also operates the Helitours Technical Training Centre in Ekala, Ja Ela, the only facility in Sri Lanka offering twin-engine turbine training using MA60 aircraft.
Dealing with desertion
The SLAF is also taking proactive steps to address desertion, which the Commander says is primarily driven by monetary issues. They have introduced welfare initiatives to ease the burden on their personnel.
“If we locate a deserter, we bring them in, charge them and then decide if they should stay or be dismissed.” Led by a Provost Marshal and a specialised team, a provost system is in place to track and manage desertion cases when information is received.
The decision largely depends on whether the individual has benefited from public-funded training. “If someone has used Air Force resources for a course or specialised training, they are expected to complete their service,” Air Marshal Edirisinghe says. “Otherwise, we let them go. It’s difficult to retain someone who is unwilling to follow discipline.”
The SLAF uses intelligence services to keep track of individuals who have legally left the force but have a history of disciplinary concerns.
Additions to the fleet
Among the potential additions to the SLAF fleet are ten Bell 206 helicopters, also known as TH-57s, from the US Navy. “They have told us they will provide these for a small amount,” he explained. These helicopters will primarily be used for training, as the SLAF currently has only one dedicated training helicopter.
Additionally, Pakistan has offered an F-7 trainer version as a donation. The SLAF is also in discussions regarding the potential acquisition of two C-130 aircraft. “We have also requested more Beechcraft to enhance our surveillance capabilities,” the Commander stated.”
Future plans
Looking ahead to the next decade, Commander Bandu Edirisinghe envisions a modernised, professional and capable Air Force, balancing operational effectiveness with financial sustainability. “My vision is to ensure that we upgrade and update our existing assets, which have life until 2037,” he explained.
“We also need to train our pilots to the same level of experience we had during the war. Right now, pilots only get about four to five flying hours a month due to a lack of aircraft. That has to change.”
His goal is to build a highly skilled team—both in the air and on the ground—and to enhance SLAF’s interoperability with international forces. “We don’t need the most sophisticated equipment, but we do need assets that allow us to participate in joint exercises with multilateral partners,” he says.
He emphasised the importance of keeping the Air Force “small but highly professional”; “We need to be a force that is not a burden but can fulfill all the nation’s needs efficiently. At the same time, we must contribute to national development.”
Additionally, Sri Lanka has been operating a Dornier 228 provided by India, stationed in Trincomalee. “We fly it, but it’s maintained by an Indian crew.”
Before he prepares to pass the command to his successor, Commander Edirisinghe is determined to lay the foundation for a technologically advanced and operationally ready SLAF. “During my tenure, I will focus on securing the aircraft and upgrades we need so that my successor can take over a stronger, more capable force.”
| Dealing with drones A growing concern for the SLAF is the threat from drones, which are becoming increasingly accessible and potentially dangerous. “Commercially available drones can be modified to carry explosives and cause serious damage to sensitive locations. That’s a real challenge for us,” Air Marshal Edirisinghe said. “Some drones can carry up to 200 kilograms, while the smallest ones are just the size of a palm. But the problem is that even a small drone can create havoc,” he said. “You only need 10 grams of explosives attached to a drone, and it could cause major damage,” he explained. To effectively police the airspace, the Air Force needs more advanced technology. “We are working on acquiring jammers and radars that can detect low-level, small objects like drones,” he said. However, financial constraints continue to be a hurdle. “Budget limitations affect our ability to procure new equipment and maintain existing assets,” said Air Marshal Edirisinghe. | |
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