The Sri Lanka Air Force marked a significant chapter in history with the ceremonial induction of two Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft, purchased at a cost of US$ 18 million.
The momentous ceremony held at SLAF Base Ratmalana on Tuesday (Dec 05) was graced by the State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Qi Zhenhong.
Manufactured by Harbin Aviation Industry Co. Ltd. in China, the acquisition of these state-of-the-art aircraft is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting tourism within Sri Lanka.
Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said 70% of the total cost has already been paid and the remaining 30% will be settled in installments over the next two years.
In addition to fulfilling operational, search, and rescue needs, the Air Force Commander highlighted the unique capability of these aircraft to support tourism promotion. Each aircraft has a capacity for 15 passengers.
Sri Lanka Air Force said in a statement that these aircraft will be inducted into the No. 8 “Light Transport” Squadron of the Sri Lanka Air Force. The No. 8 Tactical Transport Squadron, renowned as “The Cradle of Transport Pilots,” laid the foundation for this historic occasion on 02 April 1996. Originally equipped with eight Y-12 II aircraft (SCL 851 to SCL 859) inducted in 1987, these aircraft played a pivotal role in various air operations during the local theatre of war.
The formal proceedings on Tuesday commenced with the signing of documents symbolizing the transfer of the Harbin Y-12 aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force. Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and Den Ling from China National Aero Technology Import & Export Cooperation presided over this key moment, marking the official handover.
Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Air Force, expressed gratitude for the strategic partnership and elaborated on the significance of the new additions to the Sri Lanka Air Force’s fleet. He emphasized the continued commitment to strengthening international collaborations, highlighting the value of the Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft in enhancing the Air Force’s operational capabilities.
In a gesture of appreciation, a memento was presented to the Chief Guest, State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, to commemorate the historical milestone. Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa extended his gratitude to the State Minister of Defence, acknowledging the untiring support in advancing the capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force.
State Minister Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, expressed pride in witnessing this significant occasion and reiterated the government’s commitment, guided by the Chief of the Armed Forces and President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremasinghe, to ensuring regional security and stability.
This significant occasion was attended by Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd), Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Chief of Staff of the SLAF, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, officials of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sri Lanka, Members of the CATIC from China and representatives of CATIC Sri Lanka, senior officers of the SLAF and other officials. (NewsWire)