헬리콥터 스리랑카, 미국과 파키스탄으로부터 헬기와 전투기 인수

[위종민]

스리랑카가 미국으로부터 벨 206 제트 레인저(TH-57 시 레인저) 8대를 올해 말까지, 파키스탄으로부터 FT-7 (J-7 수출형) 1기를 가까운 시일 안에 인수받을 예정이라고 합니다. 

스리랑카는 작년 킹에어 350/360ER을 인수하고 2021년 IAI와 2025년까지 자국의 크피르 C2/C3를 C12로 업그레이드하는 5천만 달려 규모의 계약을 체결했었습니다. ( When Computers Went To Sea | 스리랑카, 미국과 호주로부터 King Air 360ER/350 정찰기 인수 - Daum 카페 )  위키에 따르면 C12가 아니라 AESA 레이다를 장착한 블록60 규격이라고 하네요. 

스리랑카 공군은 F-7을 5기, 크피르를 5기 운영중이네요. 벨 206A/B는 4기 운영중입니다. 

 A row of TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters. Photo: Petty Officer 1st Class Karlton Rebenstorf/US Coast Guard

 Home/Air/Sri Lanka to Receive Military Aircraft from US, Pakistan

AirAsia PacificSri Lanka to Receive Military Aircraft from US, Pakistan

 Rojoef ManuelJanuary 6, 2025

 1 minute read

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Sri Lanka is adopting more American Bell 206 helicopters and a Pakistani Chengdu J-7 aircraft to enhance the country’s air force capabilities.

The investment stipulates eight of the 206 choppers in their TH-57 Sea Ranger military derivative ordered from Washington DC and a single Chinese-made J-7 in its FT-7 export trainer variant from Islamabad.

Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa confirmed that the Bell fleet is scheduled to arrive later this year, Colombo-based news agency Daily Mirror reported.

Meanwhile, Rajapaksa’s recent bilateral meeting with Pakistan allowed the FT-7 order to be delivered as a grant, with the shipment expected “in the near future.”

“By acquiring modern drone security units and advanced air defence weapons, the SLAF has initiated a programme in collaboration with the government to upgrade both the air defence and radar systems,” Rajapaksa remarked.

“As the government aims to boost the economy by enhancing the tourism industry, the Sri Lanka Air Force has also launched several programmes to support these efforts.”

A Pakistani Chengdu F-7PG aircraft. Photo: Michael B. Keller/Wikimedia Commons/US Air ForceAirborne Fleet Expansion

The Sri Lanka Air Force’s latest project follows the service’s induction of a Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft last year as part of a contract signed with US-based Textron Aviation in 2022.

Concurrently, the military received a Beechcraft King Air 350 from the Royal Australian Air Force to bolster Sri Lanka and Canberra’s maritime security partnership across the Indian Ocean.

Sri Lanka is also engaged with Jerusalem’s state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries to upgrade its air force’s existing Kfir fourth-generation fighter jets.

The modernized planes will obtain Kfir’s latest C12 configuration, replacing the older C2 and C3 models by 2025.

Additionally, the South Asian government accepted two Harbin Y-12s from China to bolster its tactical airborne cargo and personnel transportation.

IAI to Upgrade the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir Aircraft

https://www.iai.co.il/iai-to-upgrade-sri-lanka-air-force-kfir-aircraft

IAI to Upgrade the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir Aircraft

Jun 30, 2021

The deal, valued at USD $50 million, includes upgrades to the Kfir aircraft and enhancement of operational capabilities

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently signed a contract, worth USD $50 million with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defense to upgrade Kfir aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. The deal includes replacing the aircraft's basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets. The upgrade process will also include transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishment to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel. The upgrades will be completed in cooperation with Sri Lanka's Air Force and in their local facilities.

The Kfir, when first developed, was a game-changer on the battlefield with its ability to carry heavy ammunition and reach enemy targets in a precise manner. The decision to upgrade the aircraft now, was based in part, on the successful completion of this process in the Colombian Air Force. In 2012 and 2018, the Colombian Air Force's Kfir fleet participated in the United States Red Flag exercise, alongside the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. The Kfir displayed exceptional capabilities throughout the exercise, far better than the F15, F16 and other participating aircraft.

IAI Executive VP and GM of IAI’s Aviation Group, Yossi Melamed, said, “I am proud that IAI's Kfir has been chosen by customers around the world, including in the United States and as the Columbian Air Force's primary fighter jet. I am grateful to Sri Lanka's Air Force for choosing to renew their Kfir selection and continue using the Kfir as their Multi-Role Combat Aircraft. I believe this deal is an early step in preparing for future upgrades to the advanced model KNG (Kfir New Generation)."

IAI’s Aviation Group has many years of experience upgrading military and commercial aircraft. The group is responsible for all manned aircraft, including executive jets, avionics, structural assemblies, MRO, conversion of passenger airplanes to freighter configuration, etc. The Aviation Group’s customers include air forces, airlines, and major defense companies, including the Israel Air Force, U. S. Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force, Colombia Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and more.

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Sri Lanka Air Force - Wikipedia

[백선호]

스리랑카가 2022년에 외환 위기를 겪고 경제가 엉망이 되었네요...

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cevgl3gdnrjo

[위종민]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WUeN1VsvWU8

우러전쟁 당시 첫 디폴트 선언국이 스리랑카였네요..