The Sri Lanka Air Force is set to enhance its disaster response and pilot training capabilities with the transfer of ten TH-57 (Bell 206 Sea Ranger) helicopters from the United States Navy.
The transfer, carried out under the Excess Defense Articles Program, follows lessons learned from recent natural disasters, including Cyclone Ditwah, which underscored the vital role of helicopters in search and rescue operations.
The U.S. Embassy Colombo confirmed that the helicopters, manufactured in Texas and known for their reliability, will strengthen the SLAF fleet and support pilot training, with arrival in Sri Lanka expected in early 2026.
