Colombo: The arrival of ten U.S.-donated TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters and the recent arrival of the former US Coast Guard cutter vessel in Sri Lanka marks another significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security, modernize defence capabilities and deepen international partnerships in support of regional stability.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, these TH-57 helicopters are built on the Bell 206 platform. The United States is transferring these 10 aircraft under its Excess Defense Articles Program. The ex-USCGC DECISIVE is a B-Type Reliance Class 210-foot Cutter, measures 64m in length, and has an endurance of 6000 NM at cruising speed.
The helicopters, transferred by the United States, are expected to enhance the operational and training capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force, supporting a wide range of missions including pilot training, disaster response, humanitarian assistance and maritime surveillance. Their arrival represents the latest outcome of
growing defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States. The helicopter transfer follows a series of major defence-related assistance initiatives secured through diplomatic engagement by the Government under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
Apart from these air assets, the ex-USCG cutter gifted to the Sri Lanka Navy arrived in the island after making a historic voyage and will be commissioned later this week.
Together, these air and sea assets significantly enhance Sri Lanka’s capacity to safeguard its sovereignty, monitor its vast maritime domain and respond effectively to emerging security challenges. They also support the country’s efforts to combat transnational crimes such as illegal fishing, smuggling, narcotics trafficking and other illicit activities in Sri Lanka’s territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.
The Government’s success in securing these strategic assets highlights the effectiveness of its foreign relations policy, which seeks to maintain constructi
ve engagement with international partners while preserving Sri Lanka’s independent and non-aligned foreign policy posture. Under the President’s guidance, the Ministry of Defence has played a central role in advancing this vision by fostering strong defence cooperation with international partners, facilitating capacity-building initiatives and by promoting initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s defence preparedness and maritime domain awareness.
Sri Lanka has continued to strengthen diplomatic ties with nations across the globe while pursuing partnerships that directly contribute to national development and security.