Since SLAF don't need Mi24s for their current operations, there is no use of maintaining them in operational. So they should probably keep them in hangers as reserves with only mandatory maintaining. If there is any necessary, they can be take them to operational condition within short time period.

That would be an amazing lack of foresight if they really do that, pilots loose their ratings and there is no new recruits being trained. Then there will be a mad rush to buy new equipment and train crew when there is a critical need...

Saab Gripen – Potential Candidate

Swedish Export Credit Corporation likely to offer a financial package to Sri Lanka for Gripen jets,
same as they did to Brazil.

I like it's shape! Modern combat look

With a unit cost of 60 Million US $ the least likely candidate where the SL gov can hardly afford a much cheaper JF-17. Even if SAAB gives a financial lease package or similar to what they have given to Hungary with older jets off the Swedish AF the cost is going to be too much.

The best likely scenario is going to a couple of refurbished SU-27\SU-30s from Russia.

Hi everyone,
I've been trying to obtain a PDF of the Weliamuna report. However, I have been unsuccessful in finding one.
If possible could someone post a link or PDF for the report.

Thanks!

Prime Minister said “China, India, Sweden and Russia have made offers, we are studying them,” So potential candidates are JF17, Thejas, Gripen and Mig 29 or Su 27/30. Most probably final winner is Russian Mig 29 or Su 27/30. and allocated budget for this procurement plan is $450 million. Government said they are planing to buy minimum 6 aircrafts of squadron first and then another squadron later. So unit cost should be less than or around $50 milllion to buy atleast 6 aircrafts and associated weapons.

As the before video of the Independence Day did not come out as much expected, here's a more better version
Enjoy!

Su-30SM will be the most suitable fighter for SLAF if government can move ahead…

Su-30SM is a multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Sukhoi Design Bureau; it is an advanced derivative of the Su-30MK combat aircraft family.

The multi-role Su-30SM can be deployed in air defense, counter-air strikes, counter-land and counter-sea missions. It can conduct electronic counter-countermeasures and early warning tasks. The aircraft also acts as a command-and-control platform within a fleet of combat aircraft performing joint missions.

The airframe of Su-30SM is made of titanium and high-strength aluminum alloys, high maneuverability was achieved through the integral aerodynamic form combined with thrust vectoring feature.

The glass cockpit accommodates two pilots in tandem configuration, the cockpit incorporates an advanced avionics suit integrating a head up display and liquid crystal multi-function displays.

The aircraft can be armed with a machine gun, bombs, air-to-air missiles, and Yakhont supersonic anti-ship and land attack missiles, the aircraft can engage aerial threats, ground and naval surface targets by deploying onboard air-to-air and air-to-surface guided/unguided weapons.

The Su-30SM is powered by two AL-31FP by-pass turbojet reheated engines. The engines generate a total after-burning thrust of 25,000kgf. The power plant provides a horizontal flight speed of Mach 2.

The maximum unrefueled flight range of Su-30SM is about 3,000km. The aircraft is also equipped with a flight refueling probe and refueling system.

SLAF Air Show pictures

Sukhoi Su-30 for SLAF?

President with a Sukhoi Su-30 model a SLAF air show.



©Maithripala Sirisena fanpage

Sukhoi Su-30? When is it going to join our airforce? Finally an advance aircraft

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena would visit Russia and would hold discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 23, Russia's Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alexander Karchava has said.

Speaking to journalists in Colombo, the Russian Ambassador on Monday said Russia will increase trade and economic ties with Sri Lanka as the two countries celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations.

2017 is very promising in strengthening bilateral relations due to these very high level visits. We look forward to these important visits," Karchava said.

Do we really need it?

The SU-30 is such a great fighter aircraft. Hope if they order a few. Atleast they can train pilots in them, as the Kfir squadron has just only 1 pilot who is available to fly just only 1 Kfir C2 aircraft. Others are all out of service, and no pilots to fly any.

How much does it cost?