Ten helicopters from America for disaster operations

The United States has taken steps to provide ten TH-57 (Bell 206 Sea Ranger) type helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force with the aim of further expanding Sri Lanka's disaster management and emergency response capabilities, and the US Embassy in Colombo has officially announced this special grant.

These helicopters, manufactured in Texas, USA, are being provided to Sri Lanka under the Excess Defense Articles Program and are noted for their high reliability. These new aircraft will significantly strengthen the operational fleet of the Sri Lanka Air Force and enhance pilot training activities. As planned, these helicopters are expected to arrive on the island in early 2026.

This announcement specifically commends the critical role played by helicopters during the recent Ditwah cyclone and the professionalism of the search, rescue, and relief operations conducted by the Sri Lanka Air Force at that time. US authorities have indicated that this transfer of aircraft further reinforces the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in enhancing emergency response and disaster preparedness.