The United States donates a patrol aircraft to Sri Lanka to strengthen security in the Indian Ocean

The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced that the country has received a Beechcraft King Air 360ER-based patrol aircraft from the US to strengthen maritime security and sovereignty in the Indian Ocean.

Here's What We Know

The delivery of the King Air was funded by the Building Partner Capacity programme.

The aircraft was built at the Beechcraft Textron Aviation plant in 2022, and its modernisation with the installation of maritime surveillance systems was completed in 2024.

The Sri Lankan Air Force personnel have been trained to operate the aircraft in Kansas and Florida. The training will continue over the next three months under the guidance of US instructors.

The ceremony of handing over the aircraft to Sri Lanka. Photo: US Embassy in Sri Lanka

The final stage of preparation for combat use will take place at Ratmalana Air Base, after which the aircraft will be assigned to the 3rd Maritime Patrol Squadron.

As noted, the King Air 360ER, equipped with modern surveillance equipment, will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Sri Lankan Air Force in patrolling territorial waters, countering maritime threats and ensuring the security of trade routes in the Indian Ocean.

As a reminder, Ukraine has also been working on Sri Lankan aircraft. In 2021, Ukrainian aircraft repairers from the State Enterprise 410 Plant CA restored An-32B aircraft for Sri Lanka.

Source: Usembassy