A former RAAF King Air 350 plane donated by Australia to the Sri Lanka Air Drive has accomplished greater than 400 flight hours and greater than 100 missions for the reason that switch.
The previous RAAF King Air 350 plane was gifted to the Sri Lanka Air Drive by the Australian authorities in October final yr.
The plane, geared up with superior electro-optical/infrared programs, has reportedly considerably boosted Sri Lanka’s capability to conduct maritime surveillance and reply to look and rescue necessities.
Coaching Flight Commander at 32 Squadron, Squadron Chief Glenn Canfield, a professional flying teacher with greater than 9,000 hours of flying expertise, ferried the plane to Sri Lanka.
“I delivered the Royal Australian Air Drive King Air 350 to the Sri Lanka Air Drive in October 2024, routing by way of Indonesia and Malaysia,” Squadron Chief Canfield stated.
“Since arriving final yr, the Sri Lanka Air Drive has flown over 400 hours and carried out greater than 100 missions within the King Air 350, proving its worth as a flexible platform for maritime surveillance throughout the nation’s huge shoreline.
“The King Air 350 brings a strong EO/IR functionality, making it a confirmed platform for monitoring huge stretches of ocean and responding quickly to look and rescue necessities.”
Cooperation between Australia and Sri Lanka is a specific focus of this yr’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour, Australia’s flagship regional engagement exercise bringing collectively defence forces, governments and communities to construct stronger partnerships throughout the Indo-Pacific.
Australia’s bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka locations robust emphasis on maritime safety, training and coaching, together with aviation.
As a part of IPE25, Squadron Chief Canfield returned to Sri Lanka to proceed familiarisation coaching with SLAF personnel and to guide an issue knowledgeable trade at SLAF China Bay.
“It’s a privilege to be again in Sri Lanka, working alongside our Sri Lanka Air Drive colleagues and sharing how the King Air can help maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations,” he stated.
“Conducting the SME trade at SLAF China Bay was extremely rewarding, each professionally and personally, because it helped us construct stronger ties and study from one another’s approaches.
“Flying brings us collectively, nevertheless it’s the shared meals, the conversations and the laughter that construct actual partnerships.”
