SLAF inducts Do228 into service

On 15 April 2022, the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) received the first of two Dornier Do228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA). The Do228, with serial SMR-846, was officially handed over to President Ranil Wickremesinghe by High Commissioner of India Gopal Baglay at SLAF Base in Katunayake.

In January 2018, during the defence dialogue between India and Sri Lanka, the Sri Lankan government sought the possibility of obtaining two Do228 reconnaissance aircraft from India to enhance the maritime surveillance capabilities of Sri Lanka. At that moment, India agreed to provide one Do228 from the Indian Navy for free for the first two years of the interim period since it would be required two years to manufacture new aircraft.

The Indian government decided to provide the newly delivered brand-new aircraft free of charge. A second one will be delivered soon to the SLAF according to the mutually agreed terms and conditions between both countries.

The Do228 will specifically conduct Maritime and Coastal Surveillance Operations within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), Search and Rescue Operations (SAR), Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC) and Maritime Pollution Monitoring and Control within the Sri Lankan airspace. It is not yet known which squadron will operate the Do228.

Photo via Sri Lanka Air Force