Sri Lanka Air Force

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is structured as a professional military force consisting of a Regular Air Force, a Regular Air Force Reserve, and volunteer reserve components. Its command is centralized under the Commander of the Air Force, who oversees directorates for air operations, technical services, administration, and equipment. A specialized ground combat branch, the SLAF Regiment, is responsible for force protection, ground-based air defense, and airfield security.

The SLAF’s strategic doctrine is fundamentally shaped by its experience during the Sri Lankan Civil War, prioritizing the support of army and navy operations. This doctrine emphasizes the forward deployment of air assets to provide rapid and decisive response. A key contemporary mission is the aerospace surveillance and reconnaissance of Sri Lanka's extensive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Flight Information Region. In 2022, the SLAF officially launched its "Air Power Doctrine," which codifies the operational lessons from its long internal conflict. A joint air-naval doctrine with the Sri Lanka Navy is also being developed to improve coordination in maritime security. The SLAF is also responsible for national cyber security, managing the security of key state digital infrastructure.

A primary effort is the upgrade of five IAI Kfir fighter aircraft to a 4.5-generation standard in a $50 million program with Israel Aerospace Industries, set to conclude by the end of 2025. This modernization includes new radar, avionics, and communication systems, and extends the jets' service life by 15 years. The SLAF is also overhauling its two C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to revive its heavy airlift capability. To enhance maritime surveillance, the force inducted a Beechcraft King Air 360ER in October 2024 through a U.S. Department of Defense program and has received Dornier 228 aircraft from India. Other initiatives include procuring Harbin Y-12 light transport aircraft, overhauling Mi-17 and Mi-35 helicopters, and seeking to improve its aging air defense network.