SLAF paying for two new aircraft in installments

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka is paying for the recently inducted Y-12 aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force fleet in installments, said Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa on Tuesday (5).

The Sri Lanka Air Force marked a significant chapter in the history with the ceremonial induction of two Harbin Y-12 IV aircraft at the SLAF Base in Ratmalana.

The No. 8 Tactical Transport Squadron, renowned as "The Cradle of Transport Pilots," laid the foundation for this historic occasion on 02 April 1996. Originally equipped with eight Y-12 II aircraft (SCL 851 to SCL 859) inducted in 1987, these aircraft played a pivotal role in various air operations during the local theatre of war.

The signing of documents symbolizing the transfer of the Harbin Y-12 aircraft to the Sri Lanka Air Force was done in the presence of the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and Den Ling from China National Aero Technology Import & Export Cooperation.

Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said process to procure the two aircraft commenced in 2017, and the payments are yet to be completed.

He said that 7o% of the payment was complete, and the remaining payments will be made in the next two year. 

Harbin Y-12 or Yunshuji-12 is a twin engine light multi role aircraft designed and developed by Harbin Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (HAMC) of China. It was derived from its predecessor the Harbin Y-11. The Y-12 is principally used for both passenger and cargo transportation. The maiden flight of the aircraft was completed in July 1982.