Air Force Plays Greater role in neutralizing the LTTE threat

Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law & Order

The Sri Lanka Air Force celebrates its 56th anniversary today with a string of victories under its wings. At a simple ceremony held today at the Air Force Head Quarters in Colombo. The Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Rohan Gunathileka said that the Air Force has played a greater role in the military operations in the north and east. Unity and team work has brought success for the operations of the Air Force, addressing the gathering the Commander further said.

The contribution of the Air Force in the recent humanitarian missions to drive out the LTTE from the Eastern province was immense. Air surveillance by unmanned ariel vehicles provide the Security Forces with vital intelligence on what the LTTE was up to in areas under their control. UAVs identified LTTE training bases, artillery and mortar positions that threaten National Security.

The Air Force was successful in softening and neutralizing LTTE targets such as artillery and mortar positions making it easier for ground troops to advance. The mere sound of Kfir jets is said boost the morale of the ground troops. Kfir and MIG 27 fighter jets have repeatedly neutralized the LTTE's ability to regroup and attack troops. The LTTE was not able to offer heavy resistance in Sampur and Vakarai as Kfir jets kept them busy by destroying their battle indications and organization ability.

Precise air raids pinned down the LTTE along their forward bunker lines paving the way for ground troops to advance with relative ease.

The No 05 and No 10 squadron comprising of MIG 27 and Israeli built Kfirs supersonic jets played a key role in weakening the LTTE's offensive capabilities. In Vakarai Kfir jets had carried out precise air raids on the hide outs of LTTE leaders. During the first sortie, the first bomb dropped by Kfir jets had hit Swarnam's bunker precisely. The main LTTE bases identified by the Special Forces were destroyed by the air raids forcing the LTTE to flee the area. The LTTE suffered a massive psychological defeat due to the successful air raids carried out by Kfir and MIG 27 jets. Speaking to the Media in Vakarai the General Officer Commanding, 23 Division, Brigadier Daya Rathnayaka spoke of the precision bombing carried out by the Air Force on the hideouts of LTTE leaders such as Swarnam. "The Air Force was very precise and timely" Brigadier Daya Rathnayaka said.

Kfirs resumed air attacks on April 25th following the LTTE attempt on the life of the Army Commander, Lt. General Sarath Fonseka. This was the first air raid since the signing of the CFA in February 2002. Kfir jets joined the Air Force fleet in 1996.

The escalation of hostilities prompted a further air craft acquisition to the Sri Lanka Air Force. The No 9 squadron comprising of MI 24 helicopter gun ships were grouped in Hingurakkoda in November 1995. The MI 24s has also played an important role in neutralizing LTTE gatherings both on land and sea. MI 24 attack craft have extensively attacked sea tiger flotillas threatening naval movements. The MI 24 ground attack helicopter is heavily armoured and has the ability to absorb a great deals of battle damage. The MI 24 helicopter gun ships played a significant role in the Riviresa operation stages 1, 2 and 3 to capture Jaffna. The MI 24s were recently used to neutralize LTTE regroupings in the Moraweva area in Trincomalee.

The Air Force also plays a crucial role in evacuating casualties from the battle field. MI 17s, BELL 212s, and 412s helicopters and Y-12 and AN 32 air craft evacuates battle casualties to the south for emergency treatment.

In addition the MI 17 helicopters, Y-12, AN 32 and C 130s air craft provide logistics support to ground troops by air lifting reinforcements to areas that is not accessible by land. In addition to tactical air support and transport to land and naval Forces, the SLAF also provides rescue facilities and transport at the request of the Government.

In addition to providing tactical air support and transport to land and naval forces the Air Force also engages in humanitarian operations providing rescue facilities at the request of the government.

During landslides in the central hills in January this year over 50 Airmen of the Special Regiment Forces were airlifted from Hingurakgoda air base in 2 MI 17 and one Bell 212 helicopters for rescue work in the Nuwara Eliya and Kandy districts. Over 135 men, women, the elderly, the sick and children were rescued, many of whom were injured.

The Air Force has on many occasions air lifted seriously ill patients in need of emergency treatment from Jaffna to Colombo. Essential food items to Jaffna civilians were air lifted by Air Force cargo plans following the closure of the A-9 road due to terrorist attacks last August. The SLAF also undertakes non-military air operations and carries out research and development projects connected with national development.

411 Air Force personnel have scarified their lives in the line of duty to preserve the sovereignty of Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Air Force has grown form strength to strength in successfully countering the challenges posed by separatist Tamil Tigers with utmost determination.

The Sri Lanka Air Force, the Island's pride in the skies