Sri Lanka is set to receive 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters from the United States, in a move expected to enhance the operational capacity of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The helicopters departed from Port Mobile, Alabama, on March 15 and are scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka on May 24, according to the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington D.C.
The TH-57 Sea Ranger is a military variant of the Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger and will support a range of critical operations, including advanced pilot training, disaster response, and search and rescue missions.
Officials said the addition of the aircraft will significantly strengthen Sri Lanka’s rapid response capabilities, particularly in emergency situations and humanitarian operations, while leveraging the SLAF’s existing experience with Bell 206 platforms.
Ahead of the shipment, a Sri Lanka Air Force delegation visited the United States in January to conduct initial inspections and coordinate logistical arrangements for the transfer.
The Government of Sri Lanka has expressed its appreciation to the United States for the donation, noting that it reflects the longstanding partnership between the two countries and their shared commitment to regional security and humanitarian assistance. (Newswire)
