– Ten TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ multi-role helicopters granted by the United States Government to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) have arrived in Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the long-standing defense partnership between the two countries.

According to the SLAF, the helicopters were transported to Sri Lanka by sea and are currently undergoing configuration and technical preparation work at SLAF Base Ratmalana. Following inspections, acceptance procedures, and test flights, the aircraft will be formally inducted into service.The addition of the TH-57 fleet is expected to significantly enhance the Air Force’s operational and training capabilities. The helicopters will primarily be utilized for pilot training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations, search and rescue (SAR) missions, and various other public service responsibilities carried out by the SLAF.