Efforts underway to operationalise one, more AN 32, two C-130s

The Air Force headquarters says efforts are underway to repair one AN 32 and two C 130 Hercules transport aircraft as part of the overall measures to increase the SLAF capacity. Air Force headquarters has made the announcement in the wake of three overhauled AN 32s rejoining operational service.

Group Captain Dushan Wijesinghe has sent The Island the following statement: ” With the intention of improving the heavy air lift capacity of the Sri Lanka Air Force, three (03) Antonov-32 aircraft from the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron departed the island in August 2020. On completion of the overhaul process in the Ukraine the three (03) aircraft returned safely back to the No 02 Squadron at SLAF Base Katunayake Friday evening (11 June 2021).

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne on the invitation of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana, was present at the SLAF Base Katunayake to welcome the three Antonov-32s and their crew on arrival after a five-day journey from the Ukraine to Sri Lanka. The Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management and the Southern Air Commander and Base Commander of SLAF Base Katunayake were present on the occasion as well. General (Retd) Gunaratne and the Commander congratulated the crew of 28 led by Group Captain Pradeep Piyaratne, the Commanding Officer of the No 02 Heavy Transport Squadron which returned safely after covering a distance of 5078 Nautical Miles over a period of approximately 22 flying hours. The three aircraft that returned yesterday bear the tail numbers SCM 860, SCM 863 and SCM 869.

These aircraft which were inducted to the Sri Lanka Air Force in the year 1995 are the largest operational heavy transport aircraft at the moment. These aircraft played a vital role during the 30- -year-war by transporting military personnel, civilians, casualties, essential goods and munitions to and from the Northern and Eastern Theaters. These aircraft which are now in a serviceable operational condition have not been contributing to air lift requirements from November 2014 and as a result the SLAF has had to use transport helicopters to meet those requirements. However, with the return of these three aircraft the transport capabilities of the SLAF will increase by 75%.

 These large aircraft are not only used for transport purposes but are also used for training missions as well. Further, these aircraft which are capable of trans continental travel become vital when providing assistance to our friendly neighbors.”