India’s Tejas to be flown by Lankan pilots

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, March 3

Indian Air Force planes flew over ‘Galle Face’ in Colombo Sri Lanka as part of display in the neighbouring country.

An IAF contingent comprising Surya Kiran & Sarang aerobatic display teams, respectively, and the light combat aircraft — the Tejas — are part of the display teams as the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

The IAF contingent arrived in Colombo on February 27. The flypast will be significant and reminiscent of the IAF’s Suryakiran Display Team performance at the Golden Jubilee celebrations of SLAF, two decades ago. The Tejas Trainer sent to Sri Lanka will afford the opportunity of independent sorties for the Sri Lanka Air Force pilots.

During the deployment, the officers from the Sri Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy will also have first-hand experience onboard the Indian Navy’s Maritime Patrol Aircraft Dornier. Sri Lanka Air Force pilots and Sri Lanka Navy observers will fly along with the Indian crew.

During the course of the two-day visit, the IAF Chief is scheduled to interact with various dignitaries and the heads of Services of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka.

70th anniv of Sri Lanka Air Force

An IAF contingent comprising Surya Kiran & Sarang aerobatic display teams and the light combat aircraft — the Tejas — are part of the display teams as the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) celebrates its 70th anniversary.