SLAF Commander discusses acquisition of Beechcraft King Air 350 from Australia

Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa recently discussed the planned acquisition of Beechcraft King Air 350 from Australia during his recently concluded visit Down Under.

The text of the SLAF Headquarters statement: “The Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, participated in the recently concluded Air and Space Power Conference 2024 in Australia. The conference, themed “Building readiness and resilience in National Air and Space Power,” gathered high-ranking defence leaders, policymakers and military representatives from various countries.

During the event, Air Marshal Rajapaksa engaged in bilateral discussions with several key figures. The SLAF Commander met with Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Australia, Mrs. Chithranganee Wagiswara, during which they discussed ongoing collaborative efforts in Maritime Domain Awareness and explored opportunities for joint exercises with the Australian Military. Similarly, discussions with the Ministry of Home Affairs in Australia focused on enhancing the Sri Lanka Air Force’s capabilities through the donation of the Beechcraft King Air 350, aimed at augmenting ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) capabilities and training opportunities.

Air Marshal Rajapaksa also held discussions with Vice Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Takuto OGASWARA in Japan, emphasizing the importance of defence cooperation and joint training, particularly in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). Additionally, the Commander met with Air Marshal Robert Chipman, the Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, to strengthen defence cooperation between the two Air Forces.”