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According to the report, the US has handed over 10 TH-57Bell 206 helicopters to the Sri Lankan Air Force under the Excess Defense Articles program to strengthen the country’s emergency response and pilot training capabilities.
The report stated that a derivative of the Bell Jet Ranger 206 previously used by the US Navy for training and utility missions, the helicopters are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February.
The report added that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the helicopters will help address gaps highlighted during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, when limited aircraft availability slowed evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.
Additionally, beyond disaster response, the handover reinforces US-Sri Lanka defense ties and practical cooperation. Other recent US assistance includes the donation of explosive ordnance disposal training equipment, support for Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses at Sri Lanka’s School of Military Engineering in mid-2025, and a Beechcraft King Air 360ER surveillance aircraft to strengthen maritime monitoring.
Source: The Defense Post
The report stated that a derivative of the Bell Jet Ranger 206 previously used by the US Navy for training and utility missions, the helicopters are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February.
The report added that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the helicopters will help address gaps highlighted during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, when limited aircraft availability slowed evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.
Additionally, beyond disaster response, the handover reinforces US-Sri Lanka defense ties and practical cooperation. Other recent US assistance includes the donation of explosive ordnance disposal training equipment, support for Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses at Sri Lanka’s School of Military Engineering in mid-2025, and a Beechcraft King Air 360ER surveillance aircraft to strengthen maritime monitoring.
Source: The Defense Post
