INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The United States Embassy in Colombo announced that the Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft, donated by the United States to the Sri Lanka
this donation, which originated in 2019, is part of a long-term collaboration with the Sri Lanka Air Force, the Embassy said in a
combating trafficking and smuggling
cooperation, statement added.This $19 million United States government grant includes the aircraft and support services, all provided at no
cost to the Sri Lanka Air Force
maritime threats, the United States Embassy said.Following a training and induction period, the official handover is expected to take place
As part of the collaboration, United States government personnel will conduct a three-month training program to ensure Sri Lanka Air Force
personnel are fully equipped to operate and maintain the aircraft.The aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft Textron Aviation and completed in
late 2022, underwent additional upgrades, including the installation of maritime patrol sensors like radar and cameras, which were finalized
in mid-2024.From June to August 2024, Sri Lanka Air Force personnel participated in training in Kansas and Florida to prepare for the
training and integration at the Ratmalana Air Force Base before joining Maritime Patrol Squadron 3 in China Bay, Trincomalee.
