Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is to return to service Sri Lanka’s fleet of Kfir combat aircraft, at the same time as laying the foundations for future upgrades with a USD50 million effort to enhance the platform’s core avionic systems announced on 30 June.
Under the deal, the Sri Lanka Air Force’s (SLAF’s) five grounded Kfir C2/C7/ TC2 aircraft’s basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to ultimately integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets, with all of the work being done in Sri Lanka.
“The deal includes replacing the aircraft’s basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets,” IAI said. “The upgrade process will also include transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishment to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel. The upgrades will be completed in co-operation with Sri Lanka’s air force and in their local facilities.”
Work will begin in the coming months, Ran Braier, Conversion and Upgrades Business Development Director at IAI told Janes , and run for about two years. At the end of the process, the aircraft will be at the Block 60 standard, minus those systems listed by the company that can be added when future budgets allow.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) recently signed a contract, worth USD $50 million with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Defense to upgrade Kfir aircraft for the Sri Lankan Air Force. The deal includes replacing the aircraft’s basic avionics with the advanced 4+ generation fighter aircraft avionics in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets. The upgrade process will also include transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishment to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel. The upgrades will be completed in cooperation with Sri Lanka’s Air Force and in their local facilities.
The Kfir, when first developed, was a game-changer on the battlefield with its ability to carry heavy ammunition and reach enemy targets in a precise manner. The decision to upgrade the aircraft now, was based in part, on the successful completion of this process in the Colombian Air Force. In 2012 and 2018, the Colombian Air Force’s Kfir fleet participated in the United States Red Flag exercise, alongside the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. The Kfir displayed exceptional capabilities throughout the exercise, far better than the F15, F16 and other participating aircraft.
IAI’s Aviation Group has many years of experience upgrading military and commercial aircraft. The group is responsible for all manned aircraft, including executive jets, avionics, structural assemblies, MRO, conversion of passenger airplanes to freighter configuration, etc. The Aviation Group’s customers include air forces, airlines, and major defense companies, including the Israel Air Force, US Air Force, Sri Lanka Air Force, Colombia Air Force, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and more.
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