![Gossip - Lanka News [English]](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidMdjdmkZNNmQMdiyVyjHG0DAsid1JQzX2Wn_k0MMWpx93YaFp4Hv9rnCw1uuJZY1H60dquhLJCfg_uJg-gEz_FRlG07NUtWUslmZMhWhnOnm3dUim4hjUuNto_KPJrByj4iyXdSXuctY/s1600-r/GOSSIP-LANKA+LOGO.png)
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The SLAF has received the government nod to go ahead with a comprehensive evaluation of suitable aircraft. An authoritative defence official told The Island that the SLAF had received two offers from governments, which had provided a range of armaments to Sri Lanka during the war. "We are in the process of evaluating them," the official said, adding that the SLAF couldn’t afford to lose fighter power.
Sri Lanka acquired Kfirs in early 1996 and MiG 27s four years later.
Responding to a query, the official said that both No 10 and 12 Squadrons would have to be retired within a few years, hence the need to decide on a new aircraft. Asked whether the available aircraft couldn’t be overhauled to maximize their use, the official said that the SLAF was of the view that acquisition of new aircraft would be economical.
Asked whether the SLAF intended to retain the Chinese F7s (No 5 Squadron) acquired at the tail end of the
In fact, those undergoing training could familiarize with Chinese jets before joining the main attack formation. The deployment of Chinese jets was a key element in the overall strategy to neutralize the threat posed by ground to air missiles.
The three jet squadrons carried out several thousand sorties during the war. All squadrons operated from the Katunayake air base, though a pair of fighters was stationed in China Bay to intervene in case LTTE leader Velupillai Prabhakaran tried to escape in a ship.
The SLAF intended to operate one type of attack aircraft, the official said, stressing the importance of retaining the experience gained during the conflict.
The SLAF is also looking at the possibility of enhancing its radar capability. During eelam war IV, the SLAF deployed Indian and Chinese radar in accordance with overall security measures, in place to counter air attacks. The official said that perhaps a radar integrated missile system would give the required protection, though no decision was made in this regard.
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