Defence Asia

A Sri Lankan fishing vessel suspected of trafficking narcotics being boarded by Indian Coast Guard on 05 March, 2021. Pic - ICG.  By Asiri Fernando The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) intercepted three Sri Lankan fishing vessels near Minicoy Islands, off the Lakshadweep coast of India last week (18 March), and found them carrying five AK-47 assault rifles, 1000 rounds of ammunition and 300 Kgs of Heroin. The ICG tweeted about the intercept, stating that "@IndiaCoastGuard· In a swift sea-air coordinated operation, #ICG intercepted 03 suspected boats off #Minicoy Island carrying 05 AK-47 rifles with 1000 live rounds and 300 Kg of Heroin. Boats being escorted to the nearest port for further joint investigation" The three vessels are being towed to the nearest port for investigation. The intercept come days after another three local fishing vessels with 19 fishermen were arrested by Indian authorities earlier this month (05 March) on suspicion of smuggling narcotics. Foreign news report...

                               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...