SLAF wants to switch buyer from Britain to Canada

The Finance Ministry was called upon on Tuesday to make its observations on the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) purchase of two “K” series Hercules C 130 aircraft.

The SLAF had originally sought to buy them from Britain’s Marshal Aerospace and Defence Group. However, it has now changed its mind and wants to buy the same series from Cascade Aerospace Incorporated in Canada.

President Maithripala Sirisena has made the recommendation to the Cabinet in his capacity as the Minister of Defence. He has noted that the Canadian company’s offer is better than the one made by the British firm.

The “K” series aircraft became operational in 1967. However, the SLAF has claimed that the aircraft from Canada will cost Rs 24.4 million and the remaining life span is a minimum of 2,500 hours or five years.

The SLAF has claimed that an air- craft with avionics upgrade from Britain’s Marshal Aerospace would be around US$ 30.45 million. The aircraft from the British supplier, according to the SLAF, could be operated for a minimum of 1,800 hours or four years “free from any overhaul or major servicing.”