Two more Pandas for Sri Lanka

The Śrī Laṃkā guwan hamudāva (SLAF, Sri Lanka Air Force) has received the two additional Harbin Y-12-IV twin-engine turboprop utility aircraft they have ordered on 19 June 2023. This is the culmination of an agreement signed between the SLAF and the China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation back in 2019.

The Y-12s were in full SLAF markings and registered SCL-3126 and SCL-3128, The aircraft used ferry call signs B-0EGD/YB072 and B-0AHY/YB073. However, the tie-up is not known yet, but most probably YB072 is SCL-3126 and YB073 is SCL-3128.

The SLAF already operates the type with eleven being delivered between November 1986 and December 2009, the last two being of the Mark IV variant whereas all others were Mark II. Three aircraft crashed and at least one other is stored awaiting overhaul, leaving seven currently operational.

Credit photos: Haleef Ismail