SLAF to replenish training helicopters, other gaps in capability and capacity remains
An SLAF Bell-206 Jet Ranger in service with No.7 Squadron. Credit www.airforce.lk By Asiri Fernando The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) will call for international bids to buy four used helicopters to replenish its aging training fleet in the near future. The acquisition is to be made via competitive international bidding following government approval earlier this month. Speaking to the press earlier this month (8 July), Co-Cabinet spokesman Romesh Pathirana said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on behalf of the Ministry of Defense had sought Cabinet approval to make the purchase. Pathirana pointed out that the SLAF needed to train pilots for UN peacekeeping missions. According to Pathirana, the SLAF currently uses two helicopters manufactured in 1981 to train Pilots. The Jet Rangers first entered service in 1969, the Air Force website said. Several un-serviceable air frames rest at the Air Force Museum and are mounted as display aircraft at several air ba