The United States has formally transferred ten American-made TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force, marking a significant expansion of bilateral defense cooperation and providing a major enhancement to the country’s aviation training and operational capabilities.
The handover ceremony took place at Ratmalana Air Force Base and was attended by Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, U.S. Pacific Air Forces Commander General Kevin Schneider, and U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur. The transfer was carried out under the United States Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.
According to the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, the helicopters were previously operated by the U.S. Navy for pilot training and utility missions. Built in Texas, the aircraft are expected to become the foundation of a modernized helicopter training fleet for the Sri Lanka Air Force while also supporting search-and-rescue missions, humanitarian response operations, and maritime security activities.
The embassy stated that the Sri Lanka Air Force’s experience operating Bell helicopter platforms made the TH-57 fleet a suitable addition to its existing capabilities. The aircraft were in active U.S. Navy service as recently as last year and have been transferred in a mission-ready condition.
Addressing the ceremony, General Schneider said the helicopters would help modernize Sri Lanka’s air capabilities and support the training of future aviators. He described the transfer as a symbol of the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka and said both countries remained committed to peace, security, and prosperity across the region.
Assistant Secretary Kapur said the transfer demonstrated what he described as a partnership producing tangible outcomes for both countries. He stated that the helicopters would provide the Sri Lanka Air Force with increased speed and reach to protect people, defend sovereignty, and secure the country’s airspace and waters.
Kapur also highlighted Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major international shipping routes. He noted that some of the world’s busiest maritime lanes pass near the island, carrying significant volumes of global oil shipments and container traffic. According to Kapur, stronger maritime security in Sri Lanka contributes to maintaining open sea lanes and supporting international commerce across the Indian Ocean.
The ceremony included official remarks, a static aircraft display, and a flying demonstration showcasing the capabilities of the helicopters. A number of senior Sri Lankan and U.S. officials attended the event, including U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell, Deputy Minister of Defense Major General K. P. Aruna Jayasekara (Retd.), Secretary of Defense Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd.), Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera, and Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Matthew House.
The transfer represents one of the latest developments in defense cooperation between Washington and Colombo, with the aircraft expected to play a central role in pilot training, emergency response operations, and the protection of Sri Lanka’s air and maritime domains.
