The United States has transferred ten TH-57 Bell 206 helicopters to the Sri Lankan Air Force under the Excess Defense Articles program, a move aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to respond to natural disasters while also improving pilot training capacity. Derived from the Bell Jet Ranger 206 previously operated by the US Navy for training and utility missions, the helicopters are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February. According to the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the aircraft will help close operational gaps exposed during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, when limited airlift assets slowed evacuation efforts and search-and-rescue missions. Beyond immediate disaster-response benefits, the handover reflects deepening practical defense cooperation between Washington and Colombo. In recent years, bilateral ties have expanded through equipment transfers, training initiatives, and institutional agreements. In November 2025, Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding under the US Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program with the Montana National Guard and US Coast Guard District 13, covering areas such as maritime security, disaster relief, cyber defense, and professional military education. Additional US support has included explosive ordnance disposal training equipment, Tactical Combat Casualty Care instruction, and the earlier transfer of a Beechcraft King Air 360ER surveillance aircraft to bolster maritime monitoring.
