First overhauled Kfir fighter jet to join SLAF fleet by early 2025

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya   

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is set to add one of its overhauled and upgraded Kfir multirole combat aircraft to its fleet within the first three months of next year, the Daily Mirror learns. 

This is part of a $50 million agreement signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2021 to modernize the fleet of Kfir fighter jets.  

Under the contract, five Kfir aircraft from SLAF’s No. 10 Squadron are being upgraded with advanced 4+ generation avionics. This includes the integration of modern radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets, with a view to enhancing the jets’ operational capabilities.   

The programme also aims to transfer essential skills and knowledge to SLAF personnel, with some work being carried out locally in Sri Lanka.  

The upgrade follows IAI’s successful modernization of Colombia’s Kfir fleet and is expected to bring the aircraft up to a 4.5-generation standard.   

Although only the engines and critical components are being sent to Israel, the majority of the overhaul will take place at SLAF’s Katunayake facility, with experts from Israel supporting the process, a spokesman of the SLAF said.  

The upgrade comes with a 15-year guarantee from IAI once completed.   

The company, which has extensive experience in upgrading military and commercial aircraft, has worked with clients such as the Israel Air Force, US Air Force, and Boeing.  

Earlier, in response to a media query, the necessity of maintaining fighter jets like Kfir and F7 in the SLAF’s fleet, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said that while they don’t currently see an immediate need to phase out such jets, they are focusing on serviceability and plan to upgrade the existing five Kfir jets, by the first half of next year.   

“It’s not a matter to say that we don’t need any Kfir’s but we have to understand and prioritize certain things depending on the economy of the country. Our leadership has given us certain priorities. So, our priority today is the peace in the Indian Ocean. We are planning to upgrade the five Kfir jets by first half of next year,” he said. “That fleet will come in to operation by next year,” he said.  

As part of its broader fleet expansion efforts, SLAF has also procured two new Chinese-made Y12 aircraft.