Sri Lanka’s air power is set for a long-overdue revival as emergency lessons from Cyclone Ditwah force authorities to modernise a fleet weakened by years of neglect, exposing critical gaps in national security and disaster readiness.
After months of repeated warnings from the tri-forces about the worsening condition of aircraft operated by the air force, army, and navy, decisive steps have finally been taken to modernise the fleet of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The move follows severe operational shortages that restricted emergency deployments during the Cyclone Ditwah disaster response, which unfolded across the island in late November 2025.
Despite limited resources and ageing equipment, the SLAF played a vital role in rescue and relief operations during Cyclone Ditwah, which caused extensive flooding, infrastructure damage, and mass displacement. Since the end of the war in 2009, safeguarding national security has remained a priority, yet successive governments failed to adequately maintain or replace air assets. As a result, fleet readiness steadily declined across all three services, leaving Sri Lanka increasingly dependent on foreign partners during major natural disasters.
SLAF Spokesman Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura said the Air Force is scheduled to carry out major upgrades and overhauls throughout 2026, marking one of the most significant fleet renewal efforts in recent years.
Accordingly, the United States is set to gift 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters, also known as Bell 206s, to Sri Lanka in 2026. In addition, the United States and Australia will provide two C-130 transport aircraft, with deliveries planned for 2026 and 2027 respectively. The acquisition process has been fast-tracked, and the first batch of TH-57 helicopters is expected to arrive by mid-February 2026.
Alongside these additions, the SLAF is proceeding with the overhaul of several Mi-17 helicopters. These aircraft are scheduled to be sent for overhaul by the end of January 2026 as part of a broader service life extension programme.
Earlier, the Cabinet approved a multi-million-dollar contract for the urgent overhaul of four Mi-17 helicopters at an estimated cost of approximately US$4.5 million per aircraft. Reports indicate that the total project cost, including transportation and insurance, will reach nearly US$18 million. The tender was awarded to M/s Winsley Defence Group d.o.o. of Bosnia and Herzegovina, with local agent M/s Securatec Lanka (Pvt) Limited, after being identified as the lowest evaluated substantially responsive bidder. Although the bidding process began in 2023, bureaucratic delays stalled progress until final approval was granted.
Once overhauls are completed, Group Captain Wewakumbura confirmed that one Mi-17 helicopter will be deployed for United Nations missions involving SLAF personnel, enhancing Sri Lanka’s contribution to international peacekeeping operations.
During the height of Cyclone Ditwah, the SLAF had only four helicopters available for emergency operations, comprising two Bell 212s and two Mi-17s. Due to this limitation, VIP helicopters were temporarily reassigned to conduct urgent evacuations as the military struggled to reach millions affected by flooding and damaged road networks.
Additional assets, including a Bell 412 helicopter, a Jet Ranger, and a KA-360ER reconnaissance aircraft, were later deployed for aerial surveillance and relief coordination. However, the operation suffered a tragic loss when a Bell 212 helicopter delivering humanitarian aid made an emergency landing near the Lunuwila Bridge in Wennappuwa. The pilot, Wing Commander Nirmal Siyambalapitiya, later died from his injuries.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the government moved swiftly to seek international assistance and accelerate long-delayed plans to strengthen the SLAF fleet, acknowledging that modern air capability is critical not only for defence, but for disaster response, humanitarian relief, and national resilience.
