10 US 'Sea Ranger' Helicopters Arrive to Boost Sri Lanka’s Air Power

COLOMBO (News 1st); Ten TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ multi-role helicopters granted by the United States Government have arrived in the country by sea.

These helicopters are a grant by the Government of the United States of America to the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The arrival of the helicopters represents a key step in enhancing the operational strength and training capacity of the Sri Lanka Air Force, while further strengthening bilateral ties between Sri Lanka and the United States in the areas of security cooperation.

According to officials, the aircraft are currently undergoing configuration and technical preparations at the Sri Lanka Air Force Base in Ratmalana.

Once the necessary inspections, acceptance procedures, and test flights are completed, the helicopters will be formally inducted into active service.

The newly acquired TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ fleet is expected to play a vital role in modernizing the Air Force’s aviation training programmes, particularly in the development of new pilots and strengthening overall flight readiness.

Beyond training purposes, the helicopters will also be deployed for a wide range of national operations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), search and rescue (SAR) missions, and other public service duties carried out by the Sri Lanka Air Force.