The Sri Lankan Air Force is set to purchase 18 new aircraft, including several fighter jets, reports The Sunday Leader.
Air Force spokesperson Group Captain Gihan Seneviratne was quoted as stating that Sri Lanka needs new aircraft for “maritime security”. International offers for a new tender have already been placed, claimed the spokesperson, who added the purchases were needed to ensure the Sri Lankan Air Force met “modern day requirements”.
The new additions will also reportedly include passenger planes and transport planes, with the Sri Lankan military increasingly being involved in commercial operations across the island.