Sri Lanka prepares to launch combat aircraft procurement programme
August 16, 2016 12:45 pm
The Sri Lankan government is preparing to issue a request for information (RFI) in support of a programme to procure multirole combat aircraft, IHS Jane’s news agency reported.
The programme, featuring the acquisition of between 8-12 aircraft, will be pursued through an inter-government agreement after Cabinet approval for the purchase was given on 11 August.
An official involved in the Sri Lankan defence procurement system said the government has yet to make any decision on the make of aircraft. IHS Jane’sunderstands that it is likely that the RFI will be followed by a tender to procure the platform from an international supplier, although a timeframe is not confirmed.
State news in Sri Lanka had earlier cited Cabinet spokesman Gayantha Karunathilaka as saying that the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) required new combat aircraft to boost ageing inventories, maintain maritime security, and face any unexpected threat.
- IHS Jane’s news agency
-Agencies
