US Transfers 10 Navy Helicopters to Sri Lanka Under Excess Defense Articles Program

COLOMBO (News 1st); U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has announced that the United States has offered 10 US Navy TH-57 (Bell 206 SEA RANGER) helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force.

The helicopters will be offered at no cost for the equipment itself.

Manufactured in Texas & built for reliability, these helicopters are being transferred under the Excess Defense Articles Program, with arrival in Sri Lanka expected in early 2026.

Making the announcement in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Ambassador noted that Crises like Cyclone Ditwah demonstrate the vital role helicopters play in search & rescue. 

She added that these 10 helicopters will support the Sri Lanka Air Force by enhancing its fleet & pilot training for more effective disaster response.