In a move to enhance the operational capabilities of its air force, the Sri Lankan government is pushing for overhauling of its existing fleet of aircraft, reported Daily Mirror. 

Some of the fighter jets, Kfir and MI-17, has already been sent to different countries for the purpose, informed air force Commander Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana. The Cabinet has approved a budget of $49 million for overhauling of five Kfir fighter aircraft.

“We have already initiated discussions with an Israeli Aircraft manufacturer to overhaul five Kfir fighter jets of the Sri Lanka Air Force and within this month all will be finalized on this,” the commander was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror. 

He also informed discussion was underway with Pakistan also for the overhauling of a C-130 aircraft while the bid for the life extension of the second C-130 will be called for soon.  

Another transport aircraft, Antonov-30 has been sent to Ukraine. He also informed three MI-17 helicopters, which were on active duty for the last two decades, have also been sent to Lithuania for this. 

Two grounded MI-35 aircraft will also be sent for overhauling soon, he added.