The United States (US) Government has agreed to provide two Beechcraft 360ER twin-turboprop aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in late 2022 or early 2023 to the SLAF, while the project will be completed in September 2025 after the delivery of the second aircraft as confirmed by the US Department of Defence (DOD).
Textron Aviation Inc., Wichita, Kansas has been awarded the total contract by the US Department of Defence.
The SLAF said the maritime surveillance aircraft with relevant surveillance equipment on board will be provided based on a request that was made by the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana.
The two aircraft will be provided on a Gratis basis by the United States (US) Government to the SLAF under the Foreign Military Sales Contract in strengthening the maritime surveillance capability in Sri Lankan Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to ensure maritime security in the region.
The SLAF has requested Beechcraft 360ER twin-turboprop aircraft produced by Textron Aviation which is a light transport aircraft certified by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Stating that it has been operating Beechcraft B-200 aircraft over a period of decades, which is earlier versions of the Beechcraft family, The SLAF said it has accumulated ample experience in operational and maintenance aspects.
The established operational and maintenance capabilities are one of the main advantages that the SLAF possesses in the future operation of the new B-360ER aircraft.
These two (2) maritime surveillance aircraft (Beechcraft 360ER) would be delivered in terms of a 100% free grant (Free of Charge) from the Government of the US to the Sri Lankan Government through a Foreign Military Sales Contract to be operated by SLAF.
These aircraft will be deployed for the maritime surveillance operations which is a demanding requirement in the present-day context that was heavily urged for respond maritime disasters (Ex: MT New Diamond and X Press Pearl), assisting deep-sea rescue missions, monitoring illegal fishing activities, and to assist Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) in combating transnational crimes including human smuggling as well as drug trafficking in EEZ.
The SLAF said this aircraft will incorporate next-generation technologies that enhance the operational capabilities and state-of-art surveillance equipment worth millions will be provided along with aircraft FOC basis which is an invaluable contribution in terms of funds as a result of long term discussions between the Commander of Air Force and US Embassy in Sri Lanka. This will enhance the maritime surveillance capability of SLAF in the Indian Ocean region. (NewsWire)