JDS

Monday, August 23, 2010

Sri Lankan Air Force expects enhancing surveillance activities with US

Posted by JDS

Photo courtesy: US Embassy | Colombo

Daily Mirror
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The Sri Lanka Air Force said it hopes to enhance surveillance activities with the United States and thereby both countries could assist each other in monitoring movements on the high seas in the future.

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonetileke made this comment addressing an event at the Air Force Base in Ratmalana, where the sophisticated ‘Real Time Data Link system’ facility was officially handed over to the Sri Lanka Air Force by the United States Government.

Sri Lanka Air Force is currently equipped with two Beechcraft SMR 2201 and SMR 2202 which deploys this surveillance system which in the future will continue to assist the nation in its ventures whether humanitarian or development oriented.

Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Marshal Goonetileke said the exchange of this cutting edge technology marks a significant venture in the history of military surveillance between the two countries.

“Surveillance was an extremely important aspect for us as the geographical positioning of our country was in a prominent position in the maritime route,” he said.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S Embassy, Valerie Fowler was Chief Guest at the event. Also present was Chief of the National Air Guard Major Gen Wong, who was on his maiden trip to Sri Lanka, and several other US military representatives currently stationed in the Island. A number of top SLAF officials and staff of the Ratmalana Air Force Base were also in attendance.

Deputy Chief of Mission Ms. Valerie Fowler praised the close coordination and cooperation between the SLAF and the US Embassy. “The shared interest between the two countries in domain awareness and maritime surveillance will be greatly assisted by the usage of this equipment,” she added.

Highlighting the immense capabilities of the Real Time Data Link system, the Chief of National Air Guard Major Gen Wong explained how the equipment can be of immense use in times of natural disaster, fires, earthquakes or floods. He explained how similar usage is already being conducted in Hawai in times of natural disaster, adding that “It’s a great thing for two Air Forces to come together for such ventures.”

© Daily Mirror