Sukhoi Su-30 is one of the best 4rth generation Multirole fighter similar to American F15, successfully used in combat operations in Syria by Russians. I think that's far better than those Pakistan - Chinese crap. LOL. Funny thing is that India offered us an Indian fighter jet , who wanna fly an Indian fighter jet?

Yes, we should build our own weapons, that brings new technologies which could benefit other industries as well, like Israel. We had a 30 year war and we didn't make a single bullet, instead import everything - that's politics. Even ISIS makes their own weapons.

They have no intention of stopping the mililitary modernization regardless of the financial situation. Pretty sure they will go ahead with the Fighter jet purchase

They already got the US Marines to train our own Marines and the first group passed out recently. The President's speech reveals that they will be getting newer tech in the near future

Atleast 65$ million US I believe. But I don't think SL can afford or is even looking at new ones. Probably they will try to work out a refurbished fleet of SU 27s if they have any sense. That would be around the ballpark figure of 25 $ million they are looking at. Would be much better than paying 29 milion for JF 17 IMHO.

Interestingly Russia has granted a 300 million credit line open till 2020. Since Ranil wants to build the blue water capabilities of the Navy it looks like they will order one of the gepard frigates for 150 million us $ https://m.realnoevremya.com/articles...-for-sri-lanka so that leaves 150 million for the airforce fleet.

Ok Let me rephrase the question...Sri Lanka already had multiple balance of payment crisis


Rupees is under pressure after the preliminary IMF report which came few days ago


Can Sri Lanka afford this?

No.

We can't afford the massive expansion the Navy and coastguard are undergoing either (2 * 65 US $ mil OPV from India, 180 $ mil for the ships for the coastguard and then this Gepard story, at least the 3 coastguard ships are being built by Colombo dockyard so there is some jobs coming into the country).

Since when have SL politicians thought about what is best for SL then their pockets?

That said, we still need to modernize the airforce as well otherwise we will go back to the 80s where there was nothing at all (currently only 1 operation fighter with a couple fly-worthy f-7s). If we can service this with a government to government deal with a line of credit in the region of 150 ~ 200 million US $ it works out well for the country and compared to the other options Sukhoi is the best bet.

I doubt we have already ordered these birds, does any one know the story behind SU 30 picture? And by the looks of it it looks like a su 30 MKI /SME/MKM and has the registration of SFS which is for Strike right?

And SLAF headquaters has a huge replica model of a Jf 17 aswell in SLAF roundel and registration

And i remember recently seeing a picture of a yak 130 model being oresented to the airforce bt the russian ambassador

No. You are wrong. We did make our own military hardwares. Sri lanka army Buffel, Unibuffel, Unicorn, Sri lanka navy Jayasagara class, Colombo class dvora, Waverider, Arrow boats are those. Currently SLAF developing medium range UAV. If government and policy makers allocate more budget for research and development of military. Probably our guys can do more things.

Modernization of the navy is important than air force. We are island but we have the weakest navy in the region. Our navy has only 3 ships that can stay longer than 10 days in the sea. Sayura, Samudura and Sagara. Those are also old second hand ships. They don't have latest tech. 2 OPVs which navy going to take delivery was ordered in 2013 by previous government. So its not a new cost. Gepard class is also rumor like buying C130. There are no official statement.Vessals for the coast guard are from Japanese loan or gift. Its a good thiing to economy making them in SL in colombo dockyard.

The Air Force has set their second C-130K Hercules (Ex. SCH-3402) on full overhaul. It will come back again to flying condition rather than being kept for spares, and will also join the No.2 Sqd. very soon
The registration hopes to be CR-881.

Those Hercs should be nearly 50 years old ? IIRC the second Herc hasn't flown for a couple of years now?

There were some rumors on hull crack problems do you know if they are true?

Sri Lankan Defence Policy for the years 2016 to 2020 must be based upon the security environment in Indian Ocean Region. Sri Lankan defence policy requires a new focus. Thus, a renewed regional focus will be a priority, with the emphasis on national defence and planning for wartime scenarios.

This renewed regional and national focus will also require an updated Total Defence Concept able to cope with future challenges and threats.

Air force & Navy will be key players since we are surrounded by Indian Ocean.

Regarding Air force

The Air force needs Four Fighter Squadrons (Su-30SM will be perfect), One Air Transport Squadron, One Air Combat Control & Air Surveillance Battalion and Two Helicopter Wings.

The Helicopter units will give special attention to supporting the naval forces with anti-submarine capabilities as well as to supporting the land forces with tactical transport.

Regarding Navy

The Navy needs Two Corvette Squadrons, Two Mine-clearance Squadrons, Two Support Squadrons, One Mine-clearance Diver Squadron and Two Amphibious Battalions.

The Amphibious Battalions will be focused on its maritime tasks.

Yep it hasn't flown in a long time, for maybe 9 years or so. The C130s were introduced to the Air Force in 2000..
Btw not sure of the hull cracks though :/

I read on the daily news, AASL has taken over the Ratmalana Airport from SLAF . Any idea,where there going to shift the SLAF aircraft?

I don't think they will move any of the SLAF Aircraft. May be they bought it just to bring down International flights. As per my knowledge, I think all the SLAF aircraft at Ratmalana now will be kept there

Steps have been taken to use Batticaloa airport for Military operations

Russia in discussions with Sri Lanka to deliver frigates, offers to set up helicopter maintenance center

Mar 24, Colombo: Russia is in discussions with Sri Lanka over a contract on the delivery of Gepard 3.9-class frigates to Colombo and has also proposed to set up a service center for Russian-made helicopters in Sri Lanka, a Russian official has said.

According to Russian news agency Sputnik, deputy chief of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Mikhail Petukhov has revealed the plans on Friday at the LIMA-17 International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Langkawi, Malaysia.

"We've submitted our proposals to equip a helicopter maintenance center and provide spare parts for armored hardware to the Sri Lankan side," Petukhov said at the LIMA 2017 military show.

Sri Lanka has 12 Mi-8/17 military transport helicopters, six Mi-24P attack helicopters, 36 BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicles, and around 50 BTR-80 amphibious armored personnel carriers.

Regarding the Gepard 3.9-class frigates, Petukhov said "The contract is currently at the stage of discussion."

An export version of Gepard-class Project 1166.1 frigates, Gepard 3.9 may be used in wartime to resist the engagement of enemy aircraft, ships and submarines; conduct escort missions; carry out of patrol duties; and provide fire support to landing missions and mine-laying.

Source:Colombopage
Fri, Mar 24, 2017, 06:47 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.