Sri Lanka is set to receive ten TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters donated by the United States, with the aircraft currently en route from Port Mobile, Alabama after departing on 15 March 2026. The shipment is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka on 24 May 2026.
The helicopters, a military variant of the Bell 206B-3 Jet Ranger, will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF). They are expected to support a range of general-purpose missions including advanced pilot training, disaster response operations, and search and rescue activities.
Prior to the shipment, a Sri Lanka Air Force delegation visited the United States in January to conduct initial visual inspections and coordinate shipment arrangements. The delegation included Group Captain Iranga Gunasinghe, Group Captain Nalaka Etipola and Squadron Leader Chamara Dissanayake.
The donation highlights the continued cooperation between the United States and Sri Lanka, strengthening both countries’ partnership in areas such as regional security and humanitarian assistance.
