SRI LANKA AIR FORCE BLOG

THE FUTURE ROLE OF THE SLAF

2009-07-19T04:15:00.000-07:00

HAVING played a decisive and impressive role in decimating the LTTE, the SLAF seems to be searching for clues to its' future role. All indications from Sri Lanka are that the obviously unwise attempts to purchase a fleet of Mig-29s are now permanently put off. If the effeciveness of the F7G's given free of charge by the Chinese eliminated any pretexes to a need to counter the LTTE's airborne threat, the end of combat with the decimation of the terror group has completely ended any speculation in that direction.

As Sri Lanka moves towards reconcilliation and reconstruction, the defence needs will move from a purely operational perspective to strategic. The desperate need we had to acquire easy to maintain work horses such as the Mig27s no longer exist, while with time Sri Lanka will become more self sufficient in their ability to deal with ground threats purely with ground forces backed by armor. In the worst case scenario the support of air mobile units supported by helicopted gun ships could easily become an adequate security arrangement.

Of greater interest will be the need to establish a maritime border patrol such as the proposed coast guard with ample fire power. Quite obviously the govt will have to look to the SLN to develop such a force using its impressively combat proven resources. The changes to the SLN's heirarchy at the very top may lead to a re-vamping of an ambitious fleet air arm, which may be limited to helicopter and UAV operations from the larger bodied off shore patrol craft.

How these short and long term future needs will be interpreted by the defence establishment in the post-war scenario will remain to be seen. But for now, Sri Lanka will not see any Mig29s in its air force.

EXODUS| LARGEST EVER HUMAN SHIELD RESCUED

2009-05-17T06:59:00.000-07:00

Sri Lankan Defence Forces faught their way into the enclave within which the LTTE leaders had a large number of tamil civillians closely in a human shield booby trapped with a large quantity of explosives including phosporous incendiaries.

Thousands of civillians set free by the SL Forces are seen moving towards government controlled areas and away from the combat zone still littered with a large number of dead bodies and possibly unexploded ordnance. Some of the top LTTE leaders' families have surrendered to the SLDF as well.

Though not yet officially confirmed, reliable sources report the SLDF capturing dead bodies of the LTTE leadership which are difficult to be identified. A formal announcement is awaited when Sri Lankan parliament meets on Tuesday.

OPERATIONS TO RID SL OF TERRORISM AMIDST INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

2009-04-29T15:58:00.000-07:00

THE pressure on Sri Lanka to let the tamil tigers off the hook is so great it could give some one a serious headache. But not the present government, whose tenacity is in itself a requisite lesson in dealing with not only modern day terrorism, but also its attendent support structure.

Though nations such as Britain pay lip service to anti-terrorism rhetoric, and occasionally its over zealous anti-terror police force shoot the wrong suspect repeatedly in the head, there has hardly been any discernible action when acts of terror have been committed by pro-LTTE elements against Sri Lanka and its citizens from British soil. In the meanwhile the British are busy making blatantly unrealistic demands from the soveriegn state of Sri Lanka to commit to a cease-fire which will only benefit the tamil terrorists who continue to hold thousands of tamil civillians hostage.

In the meanwhile Sri Lankan Defence Forces have concluded all mass scale combat operations and have decided to limit the use of heavy weaponry to avoid causing civillian casualties. This is now necessitated by the fact that LTTE thugs are hiding among tamil civillians and are difficult to identify. Nevertheless the SLAF is still involved in providing close air support for operations conducted in other areas of LTTE acitivity and logistical needs of special operations groups in the territory still under tamil tiger control. The SLAF also is available for the taking out of any clearly identified terrorist target within the hostage zone, should the need arise.

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT DEVASTATED LTTE POSITIONS

2009-04-07T21:24:00.000-07:00

The SLAF also had a part to play in breaking the back of the LTTE last week end.

Initial indications of a massive LTTE presence in the area adjacent to the civillian zone along with a high concentration of heavy weapons came from a UAV sent over the terrain early last weekend.

Following ground force movements and induction of additional reinforcements, close air support elements of the air force were called in. Reports so far indicate the SLAF action devastated LTTE forces and also helped pin point their locations for the attacking ground units. At the same time, the close quarters fighting caused some friendly fire casualties to the SLA. Numbers killed are said to be minimal while a higher number has been injured.

In the meanwhile, the LTTE dead count has gone over 525, while informed sorces overseas state the correct number of tigers killed to be anywhere between 1,000 to 1,200. However, these numbers cannot be verified.

SLAF DESTROYS LTTE HEAVY WEAPON

2009-03-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday a roving UAV of the SLAF spotted a group of tamil tigers busily towing a big 130mm cannon on a lonely road, and called in a couple of Kfir jet fighters.

Update..
The remains of the gun targetted by the SLAF was later recovered by troops.

[Pic:yahoo]

THE WAR IN THE AIR IS ALMOST OVER

2009-03-28T12:20:00.000-07:00

WITH the SL Defence Forces cornering the tamil tiger hyenas to a mere one kilometer plus the skirt width of the women and children they currently hold hostage in a massive human shield, the combat tasks of the SLAF have almost ground to a halt.

Currently the SLAF engages in med-evac and logistics operations conducted using helicopters and the heavy lifters only. Except for an unsuccessful incident involving a couple of shoulder launched missiles fired by the LTTE targetting two medevac choppers from among the civillians in the safe zone, the SLAF is in for a boring rest of the war it seems.

The missile firing came as a rude awakening for the SLAF, though without any losses. The LTTE goons are known to have acquired 10 shoulder launched missiles recently, but the ones that were fired on the SLAF choppers were easily deflected by the magnesium flares carried on board.

The LTTE were unable to acquire sophisticated anti-aircraft weaponry during the time of the Bush administration, but the playing field has since then appears to be changing gradually. How the LTTE managed to acquire these weapons would be interesting to know for the world's military intelligence, for it quite clearly shows a dangerous turn of events.

GIVE YOUR MANDATE TO THE SLG TO ERADICATE TERROR

2009-03-01T14:31:00.000-08:00

DEMOCRACY is a meaningless term when the voice of the voter is not heard in government decisions. When citizens of a nation fail to impose their will upon the government by failing to adequately instruct the elected officials what their exact expectations are, such nations suffer from a lack of direction and become the victim of much social malaise. We have seen plenty of that in the past half century of democracy.

As Sri Lankans, we are not only guilty of failing to hold government officials accountable for their misdeeds, we have also for decades been silent spectators to the unending death and destruction in our country caused by the LTTE, conveniently blaming the outcome on politicians, our own karma and everyone else but our selves.

If as Sri Lankans, you are ready to do something about it, please visit the following link and sign the petition which directs the Sri Lankan government to continue with all necessary means to eradicate terrorism from our motherland, irrespective of anyone else' views.

http://www.lankapetitions.com/form.php

AIR TIGERS EAT GRASS

2009-02-20T21:27:00.000-08:00

TWO tin can crop dusters of the LTTE packed to the gills with crude explosives attempted a 9/11 type attack in Colombo last night.

One Zlin aircraft was destroyed when hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in the vicinity of the Colombo IRS building, injuring a number of civillians. The second aircraft which swung towards the Katunayeka Air Force base was shot down by an SLAF F7G aircraft in that area.

SAY NO TO THE MIG-29

2009-02-11T15:32:00.000-08:00

SL govt's decision to put the Mig-29 deal on ice may prove to be a permanent move. At least that's the direction the decision makers should be moving in, now that the Mig-29 is proving to be full of nasty surprises.

The Russians built the graceful Mig-29 in response to the USAF's F-15. The jet fighter was a work of art not only in flight but even when sitting still. It's first plaudits came from the Indian AF who sported it against the Americans at the Top Gun range a few years ago. The news was that the IAF's Mig29s outperformed everything the US could throw at them. As usual the story behind the story looks more like the US hotshots didn't really contest the IAF because they wanted to scare Uncle Sam into buying them more expensive toys to play with. The USAF was gettiing kinda tired with their old F15s and F16s, and wanted the state of the art F22s in their inventory.

In later years, little bits of grim news started to float about the dependability of the fighter, which proved to be a very expensive asset to maintain. The Bangladeshis who bought a fleet of them gladly sold them to someone who offered ready cash, and somewhere in Africa someone else mothballed a couple of nice Mig29s due to maintenance nightmares. Now the Russians themselves are finding that the Mig29's tail tends to break off in mid-flight and have grounded everyone of their 260 or so aircraft.

Sri Lanka needs to re-think her air defence needs into the next few decades before investing in a new interceptor/bomber aircraft. The current fleet of Israeli built K'firs, F7Gs and Mig27s have done the job admirably, and are more than adequate for the immediate future needs.

Our next set of defence challenges cannot be expected to be at any higher tech level than it already has. After all, it is not as if SL could defend against a determined assault by the Indians in the air, if it ever came to that. There really isn't anyone else in our neck of the woods who has the ability or a big enough grudge, to pose a challenge either.

As for now, SLG should sit back and finish the job on hand, with the tools that have proven
adequate in every possible test. There'll be plenty of time to go buy shiny new toys once the pesky terrorists are all buried, and we've had a little time to think things through.

SLAF TARGETS SEA-TIGER SOOSAI

2009-02-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

SLAF KFIR and F7G fighter-bombers targetted the house of the sea-tiger chief Soosai yesterday. At the time of the air strike, Soosai was known to have been at the location based on real time information.

Soosai's house is said to have its own underground bunker and a backhoe machine is seen rushing to the rescue following the air strike. A follow-on airstrike subsequently destroyed the earth moving machine also.

Unverified sources have indicated a relationship between a previous assasination attempt on Soosai in which his under-age son was killed, to growing animosity between him and Pottu Amman, another accomplished terrorist leader. Pottu is said to be either in the custody of the Sri Lankan forces, or cooperating with them. A successful targetting of Soosai could be the result of information provided by Pottu.

Information provided to the SLAF by Pottu's informants led to the elimination of Tamilselvan, another potential contender to the leadership of the LTTE.

While the second tier leadership is on an internecine struggle for power, the leader of the LTTE seems to have escaped from the area of conflict along with his family.

HIGH VALUE TARGET HIT

2009-02-06T21:16:00.000-08:00

A lot of excitement seems to be around a 'high value' target hit by SLAF Kfir and F7G aircraft today, following which all LTTE communication seems to have been switched off.

FINAL ASSAULT IS ON

2009-02-01T14:22:00.000-08:00

Jan 31, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force Kfir fighter jets attacked and destroyed two bulldozers being used in building a bund in Piramantanlkulam area of Mullaitivu this afternoon around 2:00 p.m., the military said.

In another attack around 4:00 p.m. Mig 27 fighter jets pounded terrorist reinforcement moving towards Chunnikulam South while MI 24 Helicopter gunships targeted another rebel reinforcement moving eastwards towards the Visuamadu Tank around 5:20 p.m.

Meanwhile, a counter-strike on 59 division by the LTTE killed 18 SLA soldiers and destroyed 2 main battle tanks, according to other news. The temporary cease-fire of 48 hours declared to allow evacuation of civillians passed away without the LTTE allowing the majority of the civillians held as a human shiled to move into safety.

SLAF TARGETS LTTE ARTILLERY GUNS IN TRANSIT

2009-01-15T16:21:00.000-08:00

SLAF combat air craft successfully targetted two large artillery guns of the LTTE while in transit. In both cases the LTTE appears to spot the surveillance aircraft and engage in a futile attempt to hide from the attack craft closing in.

SLAF DESTROYS LTTE GUN BOATS

2009-01-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

MERCIFULLY, it is coming to an end. A combination of vision, guts and commitment on the part of the Sri Lankan people is nailing the lid on tribal, racist tamil terrorism. As the LTTE gets gradually cornered into a death trap they've set for the Sri Lankan Defence Forces, the latter is proving that they are more than capable of fighting decisive battles on the enemy's own door step by their own rules. Not only the LTTE, but the whole world is watching and learning how to fight terrorism, and a new lesson is being established for the democracies far and wide to follow;

Terrorism can and must be defeated militarily. Ask us and we'll show you how.

A COLLECTION OF SLAF MISSIONS

2008-12-28T19:08:00.000-08:00

The year 2008 is drawing to a close.

It was a year of many sacrifices, accomplishments and failures for all arms of the Sri Lankan Defence Forces. The SLAF was partner to the significant and milestone accomplishments achieved by the Sri Lankan state in its battle against virulent terrorism.

The SLAF's contributions caused unquantifiable and massive damage to the world's most ruthless terror organization. During this period, its warriors proved repeatedly that they are more skilled than most of their compatriots abroad, who fly more sophisticated equipment, yet accomplish less.

Here's a brief salute to our brave men and women who safe-guard Sri Lankan skies from those who would harm us.

EAGLES HUNT - by Patriot

2008-11-29T06:46:00.001-08:00

Click on image to enlarge

SLAF air strikes have resumed following the tincan airforce bombings in Colombo a few weeks ago. This is the absolutely correct decision by the SLG to continue to use all assets the nation possesses in order to eradicate the cancer of terrorism from Sri Lanka.

We have heard many organizations condemn and attempt to redifine how Sri Lanka should use its military assets. A few instant pundits with loud mouths have emerged baselessly declaring that no other nation has used air power within thier own territory. This is false, as history shows plenty of instances in which air power has been used against terrorists and anti-governmental forces by various countries.

The bigger question is, so what? Even if no one else did, ours is a unique case and we need no excuses to defend ourselves to the best of our ability. Sri Lanka has the prerogative to utilize every asset in its military inventory to defend its territorial integrity and must continue to do so.

Those who attempt to prevent us from defending ourselves are not our friends. In fact they are part of a bigger threat to our existance and need to be treated as such.

URGENT APPEAL

2008-11-09T19:18:00.000-08:00

The following urgent request has been released by the MOD seeking help from overseas based Sri Lankans on behalf of our Armed Services.

The Ministry of Defence of Sri Lanka has made a request through the Foreign Ministry, to all Missions abroad, to supply a medicine required to control foot infections caused by fungi and bacteria to overcome foot infections. The product should ideally contain a potent anti-fungal/anti-bacterial compound, the main ingredient of which contains 1% Triclosan. The Defence Ministry has indicated that the current product used by them is under the trade name Irgasan DP - 300. The trade name is indicated here for purpose of information only and these products by any other trade name is also in order. If you are unable to find the above product in USA, please try Clotrimazole 1% under the brand name LOTRINAN. We are kindly requesting you to contact all concerned Sri Lankans to assist our forces in their time of need.

All donations could either be delivered to the Consulate Office or to the nearest temple in your locality. If you wish to contribute money all cheques should be drawn in favour of the ' Consulate General of Sri Lanka ' for which a receipt will be issued by the Consulate. Your generous contributions towards this noble task is greatly appreciated.

With kind regards

Ananda Wickramasinghe Consul General Consulate General for Sri Lanka - Los Angeles Suite 1405, #3250 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA. USA 90010

Phone: 213 387 0213 Fax: 213 387 0216

RED FLAG

2008-11-05T19:38:00.000-08:00

FOR the Air Force buffs and those who love movies with plenty of real life action, here's a movie on how the USAF trains its pilots;

http://www.hulu.com/watch/24197/fighter-pilot-operation-red-flag?c=Action-and-Adventure/Military-and-War

EMB-314 SUPER TUCANO - by Foxtrot

2008-11-01T19:12:00.000-07:00

I am pretty disappointed at the moment with the SLAF for the very mediocure performance they dished out on Tuesday night. I believe the F7Gs were a good choice for the interceptor role but the Tucano would have been a better choice to counter the slow Zlins, provided we can get export clearance from the US.

This aircraft ( the predecessor EMB-312 came to Ratmalana in the Mid 80s for a demonstration just after we bought the Siaimarchettis in 1985. Infact the engines are the same as what they use on the Y-12s and the Bell 212/412 (Pratt & Whitteney PT-6)

This aircraft provides the agility and the endurance to easily counter the Zlins.

Air Craft Dimensions

Wingspan - 11.14m
Length - 11.42m
Height - 3.90m
Empty Weight - 2,420kg
Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-68A turboprop, 969 kWALX
Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-68/3 turboprop, 1,600shp
Propeller - Hartzell five blade, constant speed, reversible pitch propeller.

The EMB-314 Super Tucano is an enhanced version, with faster speed and higher altitude, of the EMB-312 Tucano trainer aircraft which is operational in the Air Forces of 17 countries. The prototype of the Super Tucano first flew in 1992. Both Tucano and Super Tucano have been developed and built by Embraer of Brazil.

In 1995, Embraer was awarded a contract to develop a variant of the Super Tucano, known as the ALX or light attack aircraft, for the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), optimised for the environmental conditions of the Brazilian Amazon. The ALX is capable of operating day and night missions from remote bases and unpaved runways with minimal ground support. The first production aircraft was completed in 1999.

The main missions of the aircraft, in addition to basic and advanced pilot training, are border patrol and counter-insurgency operations."In August 2001, the Brazilian Air Force awarded Embraer a contract for 76 Super Tucano / ALX aircraft with options for a further 23. 51 of these aircraft are two seater versions, designated AT-29, which are stationed at the Natal Air Force Base and replace the AT-26 Xavante advanced jet trainers which are approaching the end of their operational lives. The remaining 25 aircraft are the single seat A-29 ALX version.One of the main missions of the aircraft is border patrol under the Sistema de Vigilancia da Amazonia (SIVAM) programme. The first aircraft was delivered in December 2003. By September 2007, 50 aircraft had entered service. Final delivery of the aircraft is scheduled for 2008.The main missions of the aircraft, in addition to basic and advanced pilot training, are border patrol and counter-insurgency operations.The flight envelope of the aircraft is +7G and -3.5G. The aircraft's small size, small visual and radar signatures, together with high speed and agility give the aircraft high survivability. Additional survivability features include armour protection and critical systems redundancy.

In August 2001, the Dominican Republic signed a contract for the supply of ten Super Tucano aircraft, to be used for pilot training, internal security, border patrol and counter-narcotics trafficking missions.In February 2005, Venezuela selected the EMB-314 Super Tucano. 12 aircraft were to be ordered, with a further 12 planned. The sale fell through because it was thought the USA would block the transfer of US-built components.In December 2005, the Columbian Air Force placed a contract for 25 Super Tucano aircraft. The aircraft will be used for border patrol and internal security. The first five were delivered in December 2006. Elbit Systems has been contracted to supply the avionics suite.In April 2008, the Chilean Air Force selected the EMB-314 Super Tucano, with a requirement for 12 aircraft.CockpitThe all-glass cockpit is fully night vision goggle compatible. Brazilian AF ALX aircraft are equipped with avionics systems from Elbit Systems Ltd of Haifa, Israel, including a Head-Up Display (HUD), advanced mission computer, navigation system and two 6in x 8in colour liquid crystal multi-function displays.

The pilot is protected with Kevlar armour."The head-up display with 24° field of view and the advanced weapon delivery system are integrated through a MIL-STD-1553B data bus. The pilot is provided with a Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) control.

The pilot is protected with Kevlar armour and provided with a zero/zero ejection seat. The clamshell canopy, hinged at the front and rear and electrically activated, is fitted with a de-icing system and features a windshield capable of withstanding, at 300kt, the impact of a 4lb bird. A Northrop Grumman On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS) is installed.WeaponsThe aircraft is fitted with two central mission computers. The integrated weapon system includes software for weapon aiming, weapon management, mission planning and mission rehearsal. On-board recording is used for post mission analysis.The aircraft has five hardpoints for carrying weapons, and is capable of carrying a maximum external load of 1,500kg. The aircraft is armed with two wing-mounted 12.7mm machine guns with a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds a minute and is capable of carrying general-purpose bombs and guided air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Brazilian AF aircraft will be armed with the MAA-1 Piranha short-range infrared guided air-to-air missile from Orbita.The two seat AT-29 is fitted with a forward-looking infrared AN/AAQ-22 SAFIRE turret on the underside of the fuselage. The SAFIRE thermal imaging system supplied by FLIR Systems is for targeting, navigation and target tracking. The system allows the aircraft to carry out night surveillance and attack missions.NavigationThe aircraft is equipped with an advanced laser inertial navigation and attack system, a Global Positioning System (GPS) and a Traffic alerting and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS).

"The Super Tucano has five hardpoints for carrying weapons."EngineThe EMB-314 Super Tucano is powered by a PT6A-68A turboprop engine, developing 969kW. The power plant is fitted with automatic engine monitoring and control. The ALX aircraft has a more powerful engine than the EMB-314. The ALX's Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-68/3 turboprop engine, rated at 1,600shp, drives a Hartzell five-bladed constant speed fully feathering reversible pitch propeller.The fuel capacity is 695l, which gives a range of over 1,500km and endurance of 6hrs 30mins. The aircraft has a cruising speed up to 530km/h with a maximum speed of 560km/h

[Source: http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/super_tucano/#super_tucano_16788]

LACK OF IMAGINATION - SLAF'S BUGBEAR

2008-10-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

[Click on picture to enlarge - Source: www.dailymirror.lk]

THE anger in the media is quite understandable. The Sri Lankan tax payer has spent billions of their hard earned money to give the state of the art toys the defense establishment has asked for, and yet they fail to do their job. Repeatedly and miserably.

Some media speculate the real target of the aircraft which bombed the Kelanitissa power plant was the President's House. Had that been the target of yesterday's bombing, today could be a day of historic consequences for the average Sri Lankan. For the average LTTEr, it would be a day of reckoning and the day they truly reap the whirlwind.

More importantly, quite possibly it could also have been a day when history repeated itself; 1983 Black July style. Sri Lanka could have been standing on square one, with it's tail between legs and wondering what the hell happened. Far away in his jungle hideout, Velupillai could have been laughing his ass off. Fortunately none of it happened this time. Next time they will be better prepared, more determined and try much harder.

We do understand that the SLAF has done its part in the counter-terrorism efforts. That is what they are paid to do. The defence services leadership also needs to understand their inability to deal with the airborne terrorist threat is one which is bigger than the bombs dropped. It needs to be evaluated in terms of potential consequences, in a worst case scenario; like the killing of the President. At the present failure rate, it looks a real enough threat.

Sri Lanka needs to make better preparations to deal with all these potential outcomes, including back up systems to prevent adverse consequences such as rioting and attacks against any community, in the event of such a worst case scenario.

The LTTE now knows that they possess the capability and could potentially reverse all its battle field losses so far by one decisive strike against the Presidential house. While the sufferings of the Tamils has always been an acceptable price to pay for the LTTE leaders' pipe dream, knowing that such an outcome would provide their organization more than a lifeline would make the terrorists determined to use this opportunity. Sri Lanka and its leadership stand in imminent danger, and need to be prepared for any and all possibilities.

LTTE THINKS OUTSIDE THE BOX

2008-10-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

THE LTTE did it yet again. Their tincans managed to attack SLDF in Manar and fly all the way to Colombo unchallenged and drop two bombs on the Kelanitissa power station at night.

In order to achieved such a feat, they needed precise planning, ample training, the right equipment and plenty of guts. Obviously the LTTE lacked none of it, and their execution of the attack bore the hallmarks of dedication and descipline.

The planners of this attack were obviously capable of thinking outside the box, had studied the counter-strike strategies of the SL Forces and relied on the same routine being followed this time too. In hindsight it now appears that the LTTE planners' gamble paid off and allowed their aircraft to escape unscathed as a result. Thier proven ingenuity and daring more than compensated for the lack of state of the art gizmos the SLAF usually needs to carry out an air strike in LTTE territory.

The LTTE aircraft obviously took off from an area quite close to the SLDF dominated areas, flew low to avoid detection and struck the military targets in Mannar. As this attack progressed, the SLDF would have been anticipating a potential ground attack to coincide, while the aircraft escaped towards the Vanni. Guessing that any airborne counter-measures such as the F7Gs or K8 interceptors would also fly towards the Wanni in search of the Tiger aircraft, the intruders easily flew over to Colombo, flying in the opposite direction. The two bombs dropped by them within the Kelanitissa power station did some damage to two standby generators, yet failed to cause significant economic damage. Nevertheless it achieved part of its goal, causing some damage to SLG property while generating some of the badly needed morale boost for to the violent Tamil diaspora overseas.

The SLAF has for long enjoyed a position of priviledge and also has proven the least capable of our forces when it came to defensive action. The number of botched situations are now reaching unaceptable proportions. The SLAF's defensive readiness needs to be re-evaluated and corrective action initiated promptly.

The Sri Lankan defence establishment also needs to re-evaluate its air defence capabilities in depth and restructure where needed. Adding expensive equipment is not the solution to failed leadership and management skills, which are staring us in the face. We already possess everything that is needed, and more. The Air Force needs to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem any longer. If all other measures fail, removing or re-structuring the leadership of the SLAF may be the only option left to the Sri Lankan government.

COMMON SENSE RULES, MIG 29 DEAL SHELVED?

2008-10-14T16:42:00.000-07:00

OUR generally dependable defencewire website quotes government sources to have confirmed that the Mig-29 deal is off. Obviously someone in the government apparatus can still think straight and that has obviously resulted in the Mig 29 madness from continuing.

Sri Lanka already has all the gizmos it needs to deal with the warts and stinks it needs to get rid of soon. The F7s in the SLAF inventory are formidable assets and have proven themselves in action. Upgrading the existing fleet of Kfir precision attack craft and the work horse Mig27s makes a whole lot of sense at this time as well.

The Mig29 deal was known to have been a pet project of the present Commander of the SLAF, who obviously has thought it through into the next decade. Nevertheless, it will have to wait, given ground and economic realities.

Sorry Roshan, no more hotrod toys, go play with what you have..

TERRORISTS AND HUMAN RIGHTS

2008-10-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

SLAF took out the so called 'administrative offices' of the world's numero uno terrorist group recently in a precision air strike. Now the terrorists are claiming that dropping a bomb or two on a bunch of bad guys conniving to blow up more civillians of democratic Sri Lanka is a violation of their human rights. That's so cute.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601091&sid=a2yfwVvpwRMc&refer=india

Terrorists have no human rights. None at all.

Those who conspire to blow up bus loads of civillians have absolutely no rights, as they fail the definition of being humane, the fundamental pre-requisite to qualify for human status.

MIG21 2000 BUILT BY ISRAEL

2008-10-04T14:13:00.000-07:00

The Mig21 undoubtedly is the most popular fighter of all times, and has seen action all over the world and in almost all aerial conflicts between nations. The Indian Air Force which extensively deploys the Mig21 used it effectively in the Ind-Pak wars of yesteryear. More ://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/india/vikram.htm

SLAF currently uses the F7G, a Mig21 version built by China. One of these aircraft was recently involved in the air-to-air interdiction and shoot down of an LTTE aircraft.

The popularity of this single engined aircraft has led to its adoption and further development by a number of nations in recent history. Even Israel builds a version known as the Mig21-2000.

More ; http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/mig21/

SLAF MAKES TAMIL TIGER ELITE UNIT HOMELESS

2008-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

AVAILABLE FOR A KINDLY HOME

For adoption - Group of half roasted Charles Anthony 'brigadiers' left over from Sri Lanka Air Force target practice. Semi-literate, intellectually incurious, barely domesticated pyro-maniacal brutes. Conditioned to blow themselves up and anyone else whenever ordered. Not wormed or weaned. Ideal for target practice for those who prefer live target shooting. Given away by the dozen, no return.

THE GLOVES COME OFF

2008-10-04T10:12:00.000-07:00

SLAF destroys LTTE arms and ammunition storage in air strike

and the same day attacks Tamil Tiger Leaders' gathering place

AP says..

"...COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Air force fighter jets bombed five Tamil Tiger rebel positions in northern Sri Lanka on Wednesday while infantry clashes across the region killed 26 rebels and four soldiers, the military said.

Fighters pounded the headquarters of the Charles Anthony Brigade — an elite rebel infantry unit — and another base housing female fighters in the Tiger stronghold of Kilinochchi district, said Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, an air force spokesman.
Hours later, the air force attacked logistics and administrative facilities in Kilinochchi, the military said.

Early Wednesday, the air force bombed a jungle hide-out in the Mullaitivu district believed to be used by leaders of the Tamil rebels, he said..."

And then AP goes into its political policy statement viz-a-viz Sri Lanka in which it asserts discrimination for decades by the majority against the minority as the root cause of Sri Lanka's terrorist issues. Until now Sri Lanka has failed to take any decisive action against AP. SLG should look into the prospect of challenging them in court, since in this case the onus would be on the media institution to prove what it has been deliberately publishing over a long period of time, knowing that its repeated negative assertions has a detrimental effect on the island nation's image. Perhaps it is time to neuter AP.

MIG-29'S ARRIVE

2008-09-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

SLAF sources say the Mig-29s have arrived in Sri Lanka and will be deployed soon.

Meanwhile the Chinese built F7's the SLAF already possesses, have demonstrated their ability to deal effectively with any threat posed by the flying tin cans of the Tamil Tigers, with the reported destruction of one of the Zlins last week over Mullaitivu. The F7G's are much cheaper to own and operate, and Sri Lanka already possesses decades of experience with these hardy aircraft. The F7Gs currently deployed were supplied either free of charge or at vastly discounted prices by the Chinese, obviously in a move to ensure their dominance of Sri Lanka's defence needs.

More info on the F7s here; http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/mig-21.htm and http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/j-7.htm

The Mig-29 is a much sophisticated aircraft which has yet to prove itself in real combat, even though it has demonstrated superior handling compared to even the US built F-16. A few years ago, a contingent of Indian Air Force personnel surprised USAF air combat teams by beating the Americans at their own game with Mig-29s on a training course at TopGun. Nevertheless the Mig-29 has no real combat record and is of doubtful significance to the Sri Lanka's immediate needs. Additionally, the SLAF will have its own learning curve with these aircraft, while the need of the hour is for aircraft that our pilots and maintenance crews are familiar with, and which are suitable for our own unique situation.

A good description of the Mig-29s is available here;

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/MiG-29-1.htm and http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/mig-29.htm

The long suffering Sri Lankan tax payers deserve to be shown some decisive results with the acquisition of the new hotrod toys, as they've cost exorbitantly and have already caused much speculation as to the reasons behind this expenditure.

The SLAF's Mig-29s will cost the tax-payers at least USD 75Mn at USD 15 Million per aircraft. The price paid appears to be consistent with market prices in the global arms trade.

[In the meanwhile, the Nigerians paid USD 251Mn for 16 F7 aircraft, at a cost of over USD15Mn per aircraft for these low tech aircraft. Looks like someone in Nigeria just got very rich..http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/nigeria-spends-251m-for-chinese-f7-fighters-after-oil-deals-01269/ ]

SLAF HITS LTTE ARMS DUMP

2008-09-14T18:24:00.000-07:00

SLAF had a busy week end.

After the hit on the bunker complex shown below, suspected to have been the LTTE's main intelligence base, they went back to take out an arms dump.

Watch for the fast moving little white dart (at 0:21) which appears to be either a delta wing Kfir or a Mig-27 in combat mode with wings swept back. Based on the fact that the jet is flying fairly low, it appears to be a Mig27 since these are built to withstand some hostile ground fire.

Some of these fantastic pilots should be paid a special bonus.

FLY BOYS WORLD OVER, WATCH AND LEARN..

2008-09-13T19:25:00.000-07:00

THIS is how it is done..

SLAF strikes a hardened concrete bunker complex north of Iranamadu.

The surveillance aircraft has filmed the action from a considerable height, and yet the attack craft are not seen on video. Quite obviously the bombers have flown either above or almost parallel to the surveillance UAV, to be outside the camera's range. Anyhow, yet another highly accurate, textbook style delivery.

HOW LASER GUIDED MUNITIONS WORK

2008-08-23T10:04:00.001-07:00

HERE'S an interesting article on how laser guided munitions such as the US built JDAMs find their way to a laser illuminated target, once air-dropped from an air craft.

http://www.ausairpower.net/TE-JDAMPt1.html

2008-08-23T07:25:00.000-07:00

Air-strike takes out LTTE boats.

Even though the other two didn't take direct hits, such close quarters strikes would have definitely caused significant damage to the boats.

SLAF EXTRACTION

2008-08-15T14:26:00.000-07:00

These Special Forces guys got stuck far behind enemy lines and needed a ride home. The SLAF sent in a Bell-212 with a couple of fire-breathing Hinds to escort our boys home.

Notice the zig-zag pattern in the flying, the low altitude at high speed and also the s-turn the choppers make to land. Touch down is not shown but assumably was very breif and then the eggress requires some flare dropping as enemy radar starts picking up a scent.

Great job, our Brothers in Arms!

SLAF HITS 'EM HARD

2008-08-10T17:37:00.000-07:00

DEAR THAMBI, YOU ARE INVITED...

2008-08-02T21:26:00.000-07:00

TO THE SAARC BIG HONCHO PARTY...

Because you are so special
and we haven't seen you for a long while
and we've been missing you soooo much
all your friends from all over have come specially to see you

There's the chap from over there
who even brought his toys to play with you

So we are sending your friendly airmen from Colombo
to fetch you to come and play

And so when you hear them coming
just climb out of that hole
and wave to your nice friendly airman
and we will all be happy ever after

By the way, don't listen to what dias-poras, dis-poras and dat-poras say
they are just jealous of you having new friends with noise toys..

ALL IN A DAY'S WORK

2008-07-30T08:40:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed a training facility of LTTE suicide bombers also known as Black Tigers located in the Iranamadu area, 3km southeast of Kilinochchi this morning (July 30).

Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara speaking to defence.lk confirmed that the terror camp was destroyed in the air raid carried out at 6.35 AM. He said, citing fighter pilots that the camp was in flames after the bombing mission.

Meanwhile, defence intelligence sources said the targeted "Black Tiger" camp was operated directly under guidance of LTTE's notorious intelligence wing leader Pottu Amman. The target was obtained after receiving real time ground information that an activity of suicide bombers was going on at the camp, said the sources. The exact location of the target was in the Thirivaiaru area , just 3 Km off from the LTTE's main stronghold at Kilinochchi, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terror outfit fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for the Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. The organization operates under extreme tribal ideologies created by its megalomaniac leader V. Prabhakaran and has unleashed one of the most barbaric terrorist wars in the world against the citizens of Sri Lanka.

The Tamil Tigers are credited with being the innovators of the suicide vest and other paraphenalia used in modern terrorism. They also provide arms, training and logistics to various other terrorist organizations around the world. The attack against the USS Cole was carried out using LTTE supplied technology.

SLAF TAKES OUT LTTE MORTAR PAD

2008-07-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

SLAF [Sri Lanka Air Force] MI-24 helicopter gunships Friday (25 July) have totally neutralized an LTTE [Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam] mortar launching pad located 3.5 km southwest of Tunukkai in the Mullaitivu District [northern Sri Lanka], during close-fire- support missions launched assisting the advancing ground troops.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara, four MI-24 helicopter gunships have engaged in the daunting mission at around 3.45 p.m., despite an array of LTTE counter-fire.

The target was located at an abandoned construction site and ground troops also confirmed that the LTTE mortar shelling have died away following the air assault, the spokesperson further added.

Originally published by Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order website in English 25 Jul 08.

MY DEAR THAMBI, IT IS 'BOUT TIME TO..

2008-07-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

..BEND OVER AND KISS YOUR SORRY ASS GOOD BYE

the Migs are coming...

and they really want to come see you...

A LITTLE CHINESE COULD HELP US ALL

2008-07-27T17:37:00.000-07:00

HERE are the Chinese abbreviations that describe their aircraft types;

Abbreviation Chinese Term English Definition

H HongZhaJi Bomber
J JianJiJi Fighter
J/L/JL JiaoLianJi Trainer
Q QiangJiJi Ground attack craft
Y YunShuji Transport
Z ShiShengJi Helicopter

Chinese made bombers

H-8 Xi'an Stealth/strategic bomber
Q-5 Nanchang Ground attack
H-5 Harbin Chinese version of Ilushin-28
H-6 Xi'an Chinese version of Tupolev-16
JH-7 Xi'an Fighter-bomber
SH-5 Harbin Amphi-bomber

J-4 Shenyang Chinese version of Mig-15, retired
J-5 Shenyang Chinese version of Mig-17, retired
J-6 Shenyang Chinese version of Mig-19, retired
J-7 Chengdu Chinese version of Mig-21
J-8 Shenyang Interceptor
J-9 Chengdu Cancelled
J-10 Chengdu Multi-role fighter
J-11 Shenyang Chinese version of Su-27
J-12 Nanchang Cancelled
J-XX Shenyang 5th gen Stealth fighter being built
J-13 Shenyang 5th gen Stealth fighter being built
J-14 Shenyang 5th gen Stealth fighter being built
Super-10 Shenyang 5th gen Stealth fighter based on J-10
FC-1 Chengdu Fighter China-1, jointly developed Chengdu and PAC

Further info http://rupeenews.com/2008/03/06/the-chinese-h-8-stealth-bomber/

SLAF GETS INTO THE ASSISTED SUICIDE BUSINESS

2008-07-26T15:34:00.000-07:00

SLAF struck a group of Black Tiger suicide bombers in a training session this week in a pin-point strike.

Confirmed reports indicate at least 22 suicide bombers were killed while an unknown number were injured.

The SLAF is now officially invested in the assisted suicide business, targeting would be suicide bombers.

SRI LANKA NEEDS YOU !!!

2008-07-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Sri Lanka needs YOU! Give your expertise for the struggle against terror

Sri Lanka's Armed Forces, Police and Civil Defence Force are engaged in a historic battle, as they fight against one of the most barbaric terrorist movements known to mankind; that has caused immense suffering to a nation that lived in peace and harmony for thousands of years. Their success, while ridding our motherland from terrorism will also set a milestone in the global war on terror, the greatest challenge facing modern civilization.

The Ministry of Defence invites Sri Lankan academics, professionals, technical experts and strategists in all related disciplines and technologies, living in Sri Lanka or any other country, to contribute their knowledge and expertise for the success of this necessary battle.

Our aim is to create a new knowledge base vital for the defeat of terrorism, through a network of committed experts who share our vision: Saving the motherland from terrorism and making sure future generations will live in a single, undivided country, in peace and harmony; moving in unity towards the progress that is the right of all our people.

If you believe that our cause is worth achieving and that you can help in achieving it, do send us an email via the link given below with your contact details, areas of expertise and how you will be able to help us. The Ministry of Defence will contact you soon.

Please fill out the form by visiting Ministry of Defence website: http://www.defence.lk/rsa/reportknowledge.asp

STRATEGIC THINKING

2008-07-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

"...The air force has increased reconnaissance activities, partly because of new Israeli UAVs that arrived recently.

The air force is looking for the LTTE construction equipment (bulldozers and such), that are used to build new bunkers, behind ones recently lost to the army. The construction equipment can build new bunkers quickly enough to halt the army advance. Building new bunkers by hand is not nearly as quick. In many areas, the LTTE already has a second, or third, line of bunkers built. But not everywhere, and that has made construction equipment a prime air force target. And it's hard to hide the construction site, and the newly turned earth..."

http://www.strategypage.com/qnd/srilank/articles/20080718.aspx

CHALAI AIR STRIKE TAKES OUT LTTE FLOTILLA

2008-07-20T19:57:00.001-07:00

A precision air strike by the SLAF decimated a flotilla of LTTE boats launched from the Chalai area. Local sources report seeing at least 3 large logistic boats floating belly-up before sinking. A number of others have been damaged in this attack, carried out using real time data from UAVs.

SLAF Mi-24s IN ACTION

2008-07-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

(Courtesy: www.flickr.com)

Mi-24 attack helicopters destoyed two LTTE boats carrying fleeing Tamil Tiger terrorists in the seas off Viduttaltivu.

The last main sea base of the Tamil Tigers was successfully over-run by the Sri Lankan Defence Forces causing massive casualties to the terrorists.

NEW ISRAELI UAV'S ENTER SERVICE

2008-07-16T06:29:00.000-07:00

NEW generation Israeli built UAVs have entered service with the SLAF and are currently deployed in the northern theatre.

They've been spotted over the Jaffna peninsular and also may have played a role in yesterday's routing of LTTE forces off Vidattaltivu with significant losses. The fall of the Vidattaltivu base is a crucial blow to the LTTE's smuggling activities as it limits logistics to a narrow strip of approx 30 miles coastline, which does not provide many paved roadways from the beaches to transport any heavy articles such as arms and ammunition.

CRASHED MIG-27 A WRITE-OFF

2008-07-11T20:41:00.000-07:00

LATEST information indicate that the Mig-27 which belly landed is indeed a write-off. While there are claims by the pro-LTTE media about a successful anti-aircraft strike against the aircraft, adequate information has not surfaced yet to either confirm or deny such claims.

Meanwhile, Mi-24 attack helicopters have entered into operations over Killinochchi.

MiG-27 TAKES A VACATION

2008-07-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

A Mig-27 fighter bomber skidded off the runaway while landing after a strike against LTTE targets. The exact level of damage to the aircraft has not been assessed yet. The pilot escaped injury.

At the rate these aircraft are used in a number of friendly nations, finding spares should not be a major issue, unless significant structural damage has been caused to compromise its airworthiness. Also, these aircraft have been around for a while and have clocked high flying hours which add stress to the air-frames and cause metal fatigue to set in. All these factors may be considered when arriving at a decision to repair or use the aircraft as a source of spares for others.

ANYONE CAN TAKE A BULLET WHEN IT IS WAR

2008-07-01T15:41:00.000-07:00

AN SLAF helicopter took ground fire which forced it to make an emergency landing due to fuel loss in Ampara today. This goes on to prove that having high-end electronic counter measures do not compensaste for operator negligence in any situation, and particularly when in a war. A few well placed shots from an old G3 rifle can easily bring down a helicopter, and the LTTE units often carry plenty of similar or even greater fire power.

The SLAF also carried out a heavy raid against a gathering of the Tamil Tiger air assets today. The extent of the damages caused to the Tigers in this attack and a number of other similar well targetted attacks over the past few days remain unknown while there is much guessing about a high ranking terrorist being either killed or disabled.

MIS-REPORTING ON THE MIG-29'S CAPABILITIES

2008-06-23T19:07:00.000-07:00

THE online version of the Sunday Leader on June 22, 2008, in its article titled "Govt kills 5000 Tigers, but the war goes on" by Ranjith Jayasundara makes the following errorneous statement in the body of the article;

" ...Impossible to intercept
The LTTE aircraft travel at a maximum speed of 262 kilometres per hour. The minimum speed that a MiG-29 can sensibly travel at without stalling is about 2600 kilometres per hour, thus making it almost impossible to intercept the much slower propeller aircraft from behind..."

The Mig-29 is a versatile and a sophisticated aircraft, and has a maximum speed of 2,445 km/h, which is lower than the stalling speed stated by the above article. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mig29#Specifications] Quite obviously the specifications considered by the author have been errorneous, leading to incorrect conclusions.

While opinions may be divided regarding the Mig-29 acquisition along many lines and affiliations, resorting to ludicrous mis-reporting undermines not only the value of the article, but also that of its author.

It is also important to point out to the reader that interception from the rear in aerial combat ceased to be the only means of destroying hostile aircraft in a combat situation, decades ago. Technology in use for well over 30 years have made such interceptions completely unnecessary. Present day aircraft, including the Mig-29 are capable of shooting down another aircraft from any angle.

The Mig-29 possesses long range radar and sophisticated missiles which can take out the Tamil Tigers' flying tincans from almost beyond visual range.

SLAF FRIES SUICIDE TERRORISTS' LOGISTICS BASE

2008-06-20T17:49:00.000-07:00

The SLAF, in yet another daring aerial strike demolished a logistics base operated by the Tamil Tiger suicide bombers in Mullativu.

Interestingly, the recent successful air strikes have been mainly on LTTE's covert infra-structure, rather than overt and obvious targets. This is a clear indication of the depth of successful penetration achieved by SL military intelligence.

Here is a video released by the Dept of Defence on this air strike.

What others say about us

2008-04-18T15:34:00.000-07:00

http://cerno.wordpress.com/2008/01/21/comprehensive-sri-lanka-air-force-aircraft-image-collection/

EXAMPLES OF RESOURCEFULNESS

2008-04-12T14:56:00.000-07:00

THE STORY OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CHEETAH AIRCRAFT

"...Because of earlier international embargoes, the South African Air Force (SAAF) had been obliged to implement expensive measures to extend the lives of its existing aircraft. The Cheetah fighter aircraft is an excellent example of how South Africa successfully used its resources to develop the technology to extend the use of its Mirage III fighter aircraft by 20 years..." http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/cheetah.htm

The Cheetah was built on a similar platform to that of the Kfirs used by the SLAF. And given the evolving situation, the relevance of this article is obvious.

www.wikipedia.org

WORLD CLASS GROUND SUPPORT AIRCRAFT - THE HERC AC130

2008-04-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Mission
The AC-130 gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense.

Features
These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a television sensor, infrared sensor and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets any place, any time. The AC-130U employs synthetic apertures strike radar for long-range target detection and identification. The gunship's navigational devices include the inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. Both the AC-130s employ the latest technologies and can attack two targets simultaneously.

Background
The AC-130H's call sign is "Spectre." The AC-130U's call sign is "Spooky. " The U-model is the third generation of C-130 gunships. All gunships evolved from the first operational gunship, the AC-47The AC-130 gunship has a combat history dating to Vietnam. Gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. During Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces enabling the successful assault of the Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces.

The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for the mission.AC-130s also had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama in 1989 when they destroyed Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities. Aircrews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year and the Tunner Award for their efforts.During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air base defense) for ground forces.

Gunships were also used during operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing close air support for United Nations ground forces. Gunships also played a pivotal role in supporting the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The AC-130H provided air interdiction against key targets in the Sarajevo area.In 1997, gunships were diverted from Italy to provide combat air support for U.S. and allied ground troops during the evacuation of American noncombatants in Albania and Liberia. Gunships also were part of the buildup of U.S. forces in 1998 to convince Iraq to comply with U.N. weapons inspections. More recently, both aircraft have been employed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Gunships provided armed reconnaissance, interdiction and direct support of ground troops engaged with enemy forces.

General Characteristics
Primary Function: Close air support, air interdiction and force protection
Builder: Lockheed/Boeing Corp.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines
Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine
Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Speed: 300 mph (Mach .4) (at sea level)
Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling.
Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,576 meters
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Armament: AC-130H: 40mm and 105mm cannons; AC-130U: 40mm and 105mm cannons and 25mm gatling gun. AC-130Us are being retrofitted with 30mm Mk-44 single barrel cannons in place of the 40mm cannon and the 25mm gatling gun.
Crew: AC-130U - pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer (officers) and flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners (enlisted)
Deployment Date: AC-130H, 1972; AC-130U, 1995Unit Cost: AC-130H, $132.4 million; AC-130U, $190 million (fiscal 2001 constant dollars)
Inventory: Active duty, AC-130H, 8; AC-130U, 17; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0

[http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=71]

DON'T miss this; AC130 in action in Afghanistan --

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAUpk0XLHK8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P88Rf8_lu5A&feature=related

MORE ON THE MiG29 AIR CRAFT

2008-04-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

ACCORDING to a prominant member of President Rajapakse's family who now is a big time weapons procurer for the Sri Lanka government, the deal to acquire 4 Mig29 SM and one Mig29 UB trainer are well under way. There are apparently other deals that are also being worked out, with the participation of the presidential family.

That being what it is, here's some information on the particular variant SLAF is to recieve.

http://www.sci.fi/~fta/MiG-29-2.htm

DESPERATELY SEEKING...

2008-04-04T17:18:00.000-07:00

...DEAR dear thambi...

[flickr.com]

SUPPORT THE SLAF SCHOLARSHIP FUND

2008-04-04T17:10:00.000-07:00

HELP families of Sri Lanka Air Force personnel killed in action.

More information on;

http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/04/marian-gunetilleke-scholarship-fund.html

Mi-24s BACK IN ACTION

2008-04-04T16:56:00.001-07:00

Dear Velu Thambi,

..Where ARE you ?....

..We've been looking for you...

...Because we have something special for you...

..Something that will BLOW your little mind away...

so come out from your little hidey hole and say 'Ennadah'
to the nice and friendly Sri Lankan Air Force...

Nose view of the Su-25 Frogfoot

2008-03-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

[www.wikipedia.org]

Ugly as hell, yet this plane may have been a better buy at a lower cost for the SLAF.

If the MiG-29s the SLAF is buying at a total cost of USD 75 Million fail to deliver spectacular results, the present government will face yet another round of accusations about corruption in military procurements. In this case it will be a debilitating blow, since the President's own family members are involved in this deal. Given the greater likelihood that the MiG29 will fail to deliver a decisive advantage to the SL forces, those who are waiting for that day must be preparing their attack strategy even now.

SLAF's present Commander has also been reported as a staunch proponent of the MiG-29.

Su25 FROGFOOT - The plane we should've bought, but didn't

2008-03-31T11:50:00.000-07:00

The Sukhoi su25 Frogfoot remains the mainstay of Russian ground attack regiment (shturmovoy). Su25 goes parallel to the A10 Thunderbolt, and has been matured to be a sophisticated war plane with more than 10 years of combat experience.

The T-10 prototype flew for the first time in 22 February 1975. When put to production it flew more than 60000 combat sorties in Afghanistan alone. With the experience gained in Afghanistan a number of modifications were done to the aircraft. The SU25 was more heavily committed to the invasion of Chechnya, the need for an All weather day and night ground attack capable aircraft with an extended range and survivability led to the SU25T which was based on the SU25UB two seat variant. This led to more modifications and the SU25TM variant also known as the SU39 was finally unveiled. The TK and the TM are available for export.

More on this aircraft from DefenceWire...http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/03/su-25-frogfoot-flying-tank.html

If I remember correctly, Sri Lanka also evaluated the Su-25 at an earlier time and later opted for the MiG-27 instead.

It sure is an ugly bastard however...Looks more like a stranded fish rather than anything that can take to the air.

[More info on this aircraft from Wikipedia...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Su25

MIG-29: HOW DOES THIS SOLVE OUR IMMEDIATE PROBLEM?

2008-03-29T11:25:00.000-07:00

[www.photos.sulekha.com]

APPEARANCES MATTER AS DO FACTS

2008-03-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Since writing the article regarding the Rajapakse family involvements in arms purchases, I've had a lot of comments and concerned people calling me, essentialy wanting to see a change of stance on this issue.

My problem is not only about the massive investment being made on something that has been deemed non-essential for the present conflict by persons qualified to make such observations. My concern is also based on the fact that thousands of patriotic and brave young Sri Lankan lives are being committed into a conflict where the opportunity cost of this particular arms purchase could mean less protection for them in the face of enemy attacks. We currently have no access to accurate information on the numbers of our security forces personnel killed and maimed in the line of duty, and even though authoritative media columns claim the numbers to be low, doubt still lingers based on the inability to independently verify such claims.

What is done, is done and the Mig-29 acquisition looks like a done deal. Perhaps these machines will perform a miracle and deliver an end to the conflict quicker, thereby keeping the precious lives of our bravehearts out of harms way. Until that reality dawns, the Mig29 deal will continue to leave a bad taste in the mouth. It was a family affair, wasn't the most desperate need of the hour and corruption was very possible.

After all appearances do matter and sometimes they do more so than facts even. Those who play in politics need to understand this more than anyone else. This is one instance where at least in my mind, the appearances are so bad that facts deserve little or no consideration.

Earlier posts on the same issue http://srilankaairforce.blogspot.com/2007/05/mig29.html
A description of the Mig29 is available on http://srilankaairforce.blogspot.com/2007/05/mig-29.html

JF17 THUNDER - THE OTHER FIGHTER THE SLAF WANTED

2008-03-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

The Joint Fighter-17 (JF-17) Thunder, also known as the Fighter China-1 (FC-1) Fierce Dragon (梟龍) [1] in China, is a single-seat multirole fighter aircraft developed by China and Pakistan. The first two aircraft were delivered to the Pakistan Air Force on 2007-03-12.[2] The JF-17/FC-1 is designed to be a cost-effective plane which can meet the tactical and strategic needs of the Pakistani Air Force. On January 22nd 2008, Pakistan started serial production of the aircraft at the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra.

General characteristics

Crew: 1 pilot

Length: 14.97 m (49 ft 1 in) Wingspan: 9.46 m (31 ft 0 in)
Height: 4.77 m (15 ft 8 in) Wing area: 24.4 m² (263 ft²)
Empty weight: 6,320kg (14,220 lb) Loaded weight: 9,100 kg (20,062 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 12,700 kg (27,337 lb)

Powerplant: 1× Russian-made RD-93 turbofan (49.4 kN)(81.3 kN) 1, 8,290 kgf (18,277 lbf
Production version to have further improved RD-93B with 10% more thrust. For the long term, TVT or thrust vectoring nozzle to enhance maneuverability will also be an option in the future upon customer's request.)

Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8.[24] (1,120 mph) Combat radius: 1,350 km (890 nm, 1,025 mi)
Ferry range: 3,000 km (1,864 mi) Service ceiling 16,700 m (54,790 ft)
Wing loading: kg/m² (lb/ft²) Thrust/weight: 0.96

[Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JF-17_Thunder ]

SLAF CONTRIBUTIONS TO ANTI-TERROR EFFORTS

2008-03-02T18:39:00.000-08:00

Click on image to read text.

SLAF Herculese C-130

2008-02-26T19:10:00.000-08:00

[www.airliners.net]

NEW MIG INTERCEPTORS ARRIVE

2008-02-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

Here's what the new Mig21-F7G interceptors look like.

SLAF just took delivery of 6 of them.

..AND SCREWS WITH THE SEA TIGERS' BEAUTY SLEEP

2008-02-15T07:29:00.000-08:00

Feb 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force completely destroyed a forward operational base (FOB) and a training facility of the LTTE in an air raid this morning, Media Center for National Security said.

The Sea Tiger facility located at Nayaru in the Mullaitivu District was targeted following air surveillance carried out during the last two days. Air Force sources have confirmed that the raid was successful.

Yesterday the Air force Fighter jets bombed a LTTE military base called “Raddha base” located in Teravilkulam in Mullaitivu, MCNS said.

[Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_08/February15121227CH.html]

VELU'S PET REGIMENT HIT...

2008-02-15T07:24:00.001-08:00

OUR ALWAYS DEPENDABLE DEFENCEWIRE REPORT MAKES MY DAY...

The Sri Lanka Air Force struck a severe blow to the LTTE last morning. A swarm of jets that scattered into the skies headed towards an LTTE base situated North East of Vishvamadukulam. Their target was the LTTE leader Velupillai Pripaharan's most trustworthy unit, the "Ratha Regiment". The Tigers were not expecting the attack.

The base, appropriately titled by SLA Military Intelligence as 'Ratha Base' was home to this young regiment, which the Tiger Leader has grown to trust over Imran Pandian Regiment in recent months. Deployed almost entirely on Anti-Aircraft duties, the Ratha Regiment was added to the LTTE less than 4 years ago. The Unit usually moves around with Pripaharan with the hopes of acting as a deterrence against SLAF jet bombers.

Military Intelligence sources believe the base was housing a significantly large number of cadres and assets, including powerful AA Batteries and Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) at the time of the attack. Exact damages caused to the Tigers is yet unclear.
More...http://defencewire.blogspot.com/2008/02/prabhas-pet-regiment-hit-3-charles.html

HOTDIGGITYDAWG! CHICKS TAKE WING...

2008-02-15T07:13:00.000-08:00

Check out the hot stuff that just graduated as paratroopers of the SLAF...

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/Sections/frmNewsDetailView.aspx?ARTID=6723

ITS WAR ! NO KIDDING

2008-01-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

SRI LANKA GOES FOR DECAPITATION STRIKES AGAINST RACIST TAMIL TERRORISTS

Sri Lanka air force fighter jets have raided the terror hub in Kilinochchi, known as "X-ray base" around 11.15, this morning (January 23). Air Force fighter jets in a low flying mission have targeted the base located East of Iranamadu Tank in the Kalmadukulama area, with the pin point accuracy, air force sources said.

According to Air Force Spokesperson Wing Commander Andi Wijesoriya, the air sorties were carried out on information obtained through real-time air surveillance and ground reconnaissance. Also, he said that the targeted location has been a regular visiting place of terror chief V. Prabhakaran.

Fighter pilots have confirmed that the target was accurately hit, he added.
Defence intelligence sources said that the air raid was timed with a "special" activity that was going on at the LTTE base. However, the sources refrained from commenting further on the issue. Also, the sources said, the targeted terror hub was located in a thick jungle patch, North of LTTE's "runway" in Iranamadu. The area has been long demarcated as a "high security zone" and a "no go" area for civilians, the sources added.

LTTE is a ruthless terrorist outfit that has been fighting for a mono ethnic separate homeland for Tamils in Sri Lanka since 1983. Last week, LTTE terrorists butchered 47 people in the Monaragala and Thanamalwila areas at the behest of their psychopathic leader V.Prabhakaran.

HEARTS AND MINDS - THE WAY TO VICTORY OVER TERROR

2008-01-16T15:14:00.000-08:00

As events unfold, an age old truism continues to hold value even in the present day anti-terrorism war in Sri Lanka.

Following the ill-concieved, mal-formed and still-born ceasefire, the Tamil Tiger terrorists held unchallenged sway over vast areas in the north and east of Sri Lanka, under the auspises of their Norwegian sponsors. While the Sri Lankan government of those times continued to silently bear the cost of feeding the so called 'eelam tamils' in the LTTE infested areas, the terrorists embarked on a bloody purge of anyone even remotely suspected of being opposed to them. Hundreds of Tamil civillians disappeared overnight as LTTE killer squads roamed the areas under their control settling age old vandettas, slaughtering anyone pointed out to them by their entrenched supporters. Most of those abducted into the torture camps built specifically for this purpose in the dense jungles never returned. Among those who did, was a former ardent supported of the LTTE's cause.

This is his story;

My incarceration and the aftermath
By Rajasingham Jayadevan

http://www.lankaradar.com/cgi-bin/newsscript1.cgi?record=131

However, there is a silver lining to this sad story.

The Tamil civillians are gradually rebelling against the repressive LTTE and are providing valuable intelligence to Sri Lankan forces to carry out strikes against the terrorists. These attacks have proven the most effective so far, even though the military intelligence would claim credit for their share of it. As much as the nation owes gratitude to its insanely brave sons and daughters who defend her, we also need to appreciate the contributions that are being made by the besieged Tamil civillians and treat them with utmost kindness while eliminating the LTTE from their lives completely.

2008-01-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

MULLAITHIVU: FIGHTER CRAFT of the Sri Lanka Air Force, taking one more precise terrorist target in UDDASAR, KATTUKULAR, south of PUTUKUDIRIPPU in MULLAITHIVU district where LTTE munitions are manufactured and stored bombed the complex Wednesday (16) afternoon at about 2.30 p.m. turning the area into balls of fire and explosions, the Air Force confirmed.

Air sorties, based on precise intelligence and reliable information, mostly provided by besieged Tamil civilians were able to destroy the complex completely. Military sources confirmed large explosions as well as thick palls of smoke covered the skies as munitions exploded following the attack. [Source: SL Army website]

And there goes another set of Velupillia's toys.

The SLAF proves its mettle

2007-12-21T16:16:00.000-08:00

In the aftermath following the Anuradapura airbase attack, the SLAF has gone out on a limb to prove its worth be demonstrating a world class capability in precision air strikes against high value enemy targets. Hours prior to the annual diatribe by the demented terrorist boss in the Vanni jungles, the SLAF destroyed the tigers' communications towers and equipment along with a sizeable contingent of terrorist propaganda cooks. It drove the fat rat bunker-monkey into his toilet pit face first and is said to have multiplied his manic-depressive psychosis over the roof. His annual verbal diarrhea was a whine of unprecedented proportions, unheard and uncared for by the larger world while the western based terror supporting toilet washers attempted to re-interpret as an intellectual master-piece.

Reports emerging from the Vanni now indicate that the terrorist leader was injured in one of the air strikes. While the majority of the media assumed minor injuries, others claim them to be severe and that the Tigers are attempting to smuggle their leader out of the Vanni jungles for medical treatment in India.

In the meanwhile, there are other interesting news; about Indian and Russian military delegations meeting with Sri Lankan government officials to re-evaluate the island nation's needs, which may ultimately prove to be a long awaited pro-active role by the Indians to actively participate in the anti-terrorism drive in Sri Lanka, while attempting to margnalize the strongly established Sino-Pak influence on its armed services.

India also recently concluded a military excercise targetting the tamil tigers and have now offered to conduct a sequel to same with the participation of the SLAF.The Anglo-French built Jaguar deep-penetration strike aircraft the IAF is deploying to the souther Indian theatre are capable of carrying tactical nuclear weapons and could be used in a precision strike against the wanted LTTE criminals hiding undergound in hardened concrete bunkers.

2007-12-17T20:25:00.000-08:00

2007-12-17T20:23:00.000-08:00

SLAF F-7s ON A SWOOP

2007-12-09T10:16:00.001-08:00

AN YEAR OF WAR FOR FREEDOM FROM FEAR

2007-12-01T19:17:00.001-08:00

It is a sad reality of our times that the price of freedom from fear takes more than words. In fact it takes a whole lot more; sometimes more than money and individual efforts. A whole nation needs to realize the need to fight as one to stave off dangers that are far too primitive to be anticipated in modern times and yetare thriving on the well planned lies of interested parties.

In such a time of turmoil and danger Sri Lanka has proven to the world that we possess the guts, brains and sheer commitment in our next generations to keep us strong and unflinching. Here are a collection of videos of actions by brave men and women who have committed their lives to keep ours safe.

As always, this is a tribute to the brave men and women of the Sri Lankan Defence Forces and their valiant efforts...

Lower quality surveillance coverage of an earlier period..

THE VANNI BELONGS TO THE INDEGENOUS VEDDAHS

2007-11-27T18:48:00.000-08:00

Yet the tamil terrorists claim it to be theirs..

Here's what the tamil tiger chief had to say in his annual whine;

My beloved Tamil people,
My erstwhile former speech writer Bala Anna drank himself to death, and the damn Sri Lanka Air Force silenced his replacement, my late Dove of Peace and close cohort in planning and implementing bloody mayhem. So I thought I'll write my own speech this time.
I'm sorry I had to make you crawl into this bunker today. The SLAF is too good now and they are relentless. It's hard to believe that these are the same folks who were at our beck and call when my man Ranil and Chandrika were running the show. Then I had to just click my fingers and they would transport our people wherever we wanted. Unfortunately the pesky Rajapakse brothers are running the show now, and I badly underestimated them. Else, I would never have pulled the rug from under Ranil's feet.
But the fact is no place above ground is safe now. Just yesterday, they destroyed our communication center. That was a big blow, because we need that to spread our propaganda.
Now let me copy-paste the standard litany from my previous speeches. The Sinhala are devils who have been victimizing us for a long time. The Sinhala are liars and cheaters. They are despicable chauvinists. So, we are compelled to fight a war to liberate ourselves from Sinhala tyranny. They will always find some excuse or another not to give us one-third of the island for our cherished state, even after we ethnic-cleansed our area of Sinhalese and Muslims to set the stage for our glorious mono-ethnic country. The Sinhala Nation and the Tamil nation are at war, a war I need to consolidate my status as the supreme Surya Thevan ruling over my beloved Tamil people.
So we must use all our cunning to hoodwink the international community. We must be seen to be peace-loving while engaging in relentless terrorism. But to tell the truth, I'm feeling a bit cornered now. Also my bi-polar syndrome is making my moods swing unpredictably. Worse, it's intensifying my paranoia. As if that weren't bad enough, my hypertension and diabetes are taking their toll. But don't worry; we'll keep on fighting.
I'm also depressed that the game seems to be finally up for us in America. They have frozen millions of dollars of funds we collected by extracting kappang from the Tamil diaspora, drug running, credit card scams and various other nefarious revenue-generating schemes we mastered over the past three decades. Our smart lady's man, KP, had a narrow shave in Thailand. Fortunately some idiots in Sri Lanka defence jumped the gun and the Thais are bribe-prone and we have a big budget for bribery – and KP is at large again, doing what he does best – getting weapons.
(CUE: Applause.)
Unfortunately, we lost the East, and that's a big blow. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces redrew my big Eelam map clamping the rump state of Sri Lanka like a vice. We really needed Trinco, the greatest natural harbor in the world to be the crowning glory of Eelam.Meantime, the Sri Lanka navy has blasted our fleet of arms-smuggling ships. It won't be easy to rebuild our fleet, but where there's a will there's a way, I say.
But not to worry, my beloveds: your clever leader still have some tricks up his sleeve.
We are exploring new ventures to fill our coffers, for example, by sub-contracting our expertise to people such as the Nepal Maoists and sundry Naxalites in India. Our legal people are also working on getting royalties for our innovations, such as suicide belts, which are very popular among the Jihadis. Of course, they are rolling in Arab money. The Jihadi boys are also lining up for suicide bombing against infidels, compelled by the promised delights in their paradise. So I'm sure it should be a lucrative on-going stream of revenue. I’m betting 'Tiger' brand suicide vests and belts will be all the rage among Jihadis from Mindanao to India to Arabia to Europe and America.
I sure hope they give some grief to the Americans who have come down hard on us. We can't do it; we have to be nice to them. A lot of our people are there deceiving their way into the power structures. As we know from long experience, it's best to be servile to the mighty whites everywhere – America, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia. Let the Jihadis give them hell, while we focus on the hated Sinhalese.
I was hoping that the budget vote would finish the Rajapakse regime. That born fool Ranil and his pathetic UNP failed yet again. But I'm quite thrilled about the support that came from unexpected quarters – the dangerous Red Brigades who cast their vote against the frightening war budget. But still this accursed Sinhala government holds and it's a menace. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the deadly Rajapakse regime would collapse at the next budget vote on December 14.
I also regret very much that our suicide bombers failed in their mission to finish off Gotabhaya and Fonseka. These two have turned the Sri Lanka military into a tenacious and deadly force. Even their deserters are rejoining. But let's see. Maybe we'll have better luck next time.
[CUE: Applause and shouts: “Adi da, marapudi.”]
But we have had some big victories. Thanks to my son Charles Anthony, our air force inflicted some damage on the enemy and gained us some glory. It was especially sweet to get the Sri Lankans all panicked when they were glued to their TVs watching their cricket hero Jayasuriya just starting his own fireworks against the Australians in the West Indies. Charles is a smart lad. I am tired and aging now and I have decided to groom him for the throne. I'm sure you would all be delighted.
[CUE: Loud applause here. Shouts: “Charles Anthony, Yuvraj, Yuvraj!”]
Meanwhile, 21 of my brainwashed young suicide cadres – our glorious commandos –dealt the Sri Lanka air force a big blow. They managed to destroy 24 of their airplanes. Five even managed to get back to receive their medals!
[CUE: Loud applause here.]
India is also giving us trouble by making it difficult for us to carry on our smuggling operations from Tamil Nadu. But we have folks there in our pay like Nedumaran and Karunanidhi, who are doing the needful. Even if not all our 65 million cousins in Tamil Nadu give a hoot about our cause, a considerable number do. The trick is to keep them that way, by blitzing them with propaganda demonizing the Sinhalese.
I must give a special thanks to our propagandists around the world, who are doing a good job under difficult circumstances. They are feeding the gullible Westerners expertly constructed canards to win their hearts and minds. Of course, out task is easier because everybody roots for the perceived underdog. So we must strengthen the facade that we are the innocent David fighting against a brutal Goliath, and hope they won't get wise to the regional reality where 70 million Tamils are the massive majority and the 15 million Sinhalese the real minority in this neck of the woods.
But I'm disappointed by our long-time friends, the Norwegians. They failed in their assignment to stop the European Union from banning us. Of late, they have not been as effective as they have been on our behalf in the past. I hope they would roll up their sleeves and redouble their efforts to do what they are obliged to do for us.
[CUE: Subdued applause here.]
That traitor Anandasangaree is a pain in my ear. His constant harping and letters and anti-Tiger statements are intolerable. He makes me see red! I want to get rid of him the same way I wiped out the arrogant TULF Vellala leadership. (At least, we have destroyed forever the power of the accursed Vellaha tyrants under whom we suffered for centuries. )
But at this time it would be politically incorrect to kill the old goat. Our killing of people like Kadirgarmar, Logeswaran, Tiruchelvam, etc is still too fresh in people's minds, especially in important Western minds. And India, of course, will not forget how we killed Rajiv Gandhi. Definitely not Sonia. And, at this juncture, I really can't afford to alienate the West any more. Hope the old goat would give up the ghost. It would be good riddance of the pest who keeps exposing me for what I am.
We must also keep mercenary peace entrepreneurs in the South and around the world happy. They are doing yeomen service for our cause. I’m increasing our budget to keep them happy.
Make no mistake, though; I am still the boss of the Vanni fiefdom. Let me now renew my pledge to carve out Eelam. Please feel free to kill me if I fail in my task. In fact, that would be better than dying of diabetes or a heart attack. Then I will be as immortal as king Ellalan.
Your leader commands you to be resolute in the face of the horrendous suffering I have imposed on you. It's all for a good cause – to maintain my power and gory glory and help me achieve my dream.
Now, my beloved people, crawl out carefully and get back to work.
[CUE: Cheers, nagasalang band, shouting: “Surya Thevan, our hero, our savior, our emperor, Long live, Long live. Kill the Sinhalese. Thamil Eelam, Thamil Eelam!”]

With greetings to Sesha Samarajiwa on http://www.asiantribune.com/index.php?q=node/8439

OF course this isn't what the pig ranted. But this is a much better version...

SLAF GOES AFTER HIGH VALUE TERRORIST TARGETS

2007-11-27T17:30:00.000-08:00

The Sri Lankan Air Force destroyed a clandestine satellite communication station and a radio station operated by the tribal racist tamil tigers in quick succession, in a single busy day's work.

"..Nov 27, Colombo: Sri Lanka Air Force fighter jets bombed LTTE's clandestine radio station in Kilinochchi this evening (27), the military said. Fighter pilots have confirmed that the radio station was completely destroyed. The targeted location has been identified as the place where LTTE produces its propaganda products aimed at luring Tamil youth to join the terror outfit, Defense Ministry announced. Acknowledging that the radio station was completely destroyed, the Tiger website Tamilnet said it was scheduled to broadcast the LTTE leader Prabhakaran’s annual Heroes’ Day speech. However, the broadcast continued through a backup station it further said. .."
[Source: http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/November27123628CH.html ]

By the way, instead of the growl of threats of the previous years, the fat terrorist pig hiding in a toilet pit in the Veddah country squealed out to the world at large to come safe his sorry ass from the scarily determined Sri Lankan Forces.

SLAF TAKES OUT GRINNING MASS MURDERER

2007-11-27T17:21:00.000-08:00

LTTE terror leader Thamilchelvan and 05 others killed in SLAF air raid
Citing Wanni based LTTE sources; pro-LTTE media confirm the death of LTTE's so-called, Political chief Thamilchelvan (43), following a pin-point air raid carried out by SLAF fighter jets, at Thuruaiaru in Iranamadu around 6 this morning (November 2). The other high profile terrorists killed in the air raid were identified as Anpumani (Alex), Mikuthan, Neathaji, Aadchiveal and Vaakaikkumaran. According to informed sources, self styled Lt. Colonel Anupumani alias Alex was the chief of LTTE's "strategic communication division". He was the person in charge of handling all communication activities between LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran and the other international terrorist agents.

The SLAF air sorties were carried out following extensive air surveillance and on real-time ground information, military sources earlier reported. The pro-LTTE media said that, LTTE has conferred its highest military rank, "Brigadier", to its Political chief Thamilchelvan. Defence observers say that this achievement came about due to the synergy achieved through excellent coordination between the military intelligence and the air arm... [Source: http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20071102_10 ]

There are many ways to tell the truth and here is a blog that does not mince its words;
http://llibertarian.blogspot.com/2007/11/terrorist-pussy-roasted.html

Also a reminder and a reference point for those who'd ever hoodwink themselves that this was anything other than a monster who stood only for tyranny, no matter how well we treated the bastard;
"...S. Paramu Tamilchelvan who returned to Kilinochchi yesterday after his journey to European countries since 27 January, said:“There is no place again for Sinhala - communal parties in the Tamils’ homeland. Already those parties had been rejected by the Tamils.”“They won't be allowed again to set their foot in the Tamils’ land:” Paramu Tamilchelvan, Political Commissar of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, said with determination, after his arrival in Kilinochchi yesterday afternoon..."
More on this interview is available on http://www.asiantribune.com/oldsite/show_news.php?id=9262

The tour of the European nations was made possible by the Sri Lankan government, in the hope that pacifying the terrorists would make them into agreeable human beings. This animal and others like him only and always used those opportunities to re-arm and re-group their terrorist apparatus to attack the Sri Lankans and their legitimate government. There is no peace possible in Sri Lanka as long as these creatures remain armed and powerful. The only viable solution is to forcibly disarm them, so that the innocent tamils who live under their yoke have a choice in determining how they live, out of fear and away from the shadow of a gun held by a brute who only knows how to kill.

WHY THE TAMIL TERRORISTS AND THEIR SUPPORTERS FEAR THE SLAF

2007-10-15T14:35:00.001-07:00

Left to Right:
C-7, Mig-27 and Kfir with their armaments

[Thanks to Bhathiya for posting the pictures with a sense of responsibility for security at http://www.geocities.com/bhathiya41224/3.JPG ]

THIS IS HOW YOU ERADICATE TERRORISM

2007-10-09T20:27:00.000-07:00

COLOMBO, Oct 9 (Reuters) -
An air strike by Sri Lankan warplanes killed 69 Tamil Tiger rebels at a training camp last month, the military said on Tuesday, the biggest single-day rebel casualties in months of renewed fighting. An air force spokesman said the raid was carried out on Sept. 25 in the northern Kilinochchi district and the death toll was confirmed by military intelligence.
[ Sources: http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSSP127695 and
http://www.colombopage.com/archive_07/October9133519CH.html]

This is yet another point in support of the fact that the value of military assets need to be assessed by their utility value when in conflict, rather than by their market price in peace times. Of course the stupid leftist terrorist hugging media and their sidekick miscellaneous pansies would more than hesitate to look at it that way.

Sri Lanka should continue to invest in maintaining and upgrading its strike capability with the now battle proven Mig-27s until this conflict is successfully concluded.

US, SRI LANKA TO SHARE ADVANCED SPY TECH

2007-10-06T09:08:00.000-07:00

Friday, October 05,2007

WASHINGTON: The United States is likely to share its most advanced spy technology Global Hawk consortium idea with Sri Lanka and several other Asian countries at a conference being planned for next year to boost security in the Asia –Pacific region.A highly placed Sri Lankan defence official said that unofficial discussions had taken place in this regard between the US and Sri Lanka although an official request or invitation to attend such a conference in the US had not been received. The Reuters news agency quoting the U.S. Pacific Command yesterday said the conference tentatively planned for April in Hawaii would discuss an informal regional grouping to support the high-flying, remotely piloted Global Hawk built by Northrop Grumman.“Our intent is to involve as many nations as possible in whatever capacity they want to be involved,” the command's air component said in e-mailed replies to questions from Reuters.

The Global Hawk entered service after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the United States. It is designed to survey vast areas with near pinpoint accuracy from as high as 65,000 feet for up to 35 hours. The data can be fed from the $27.6 million aircraft nearly instantly to commanders on the ground.With its advanced radar, optical and infrared sensors, it will become a key U.S. intelligence asset in Asia and the Pacific when it starts flying from Andersen Air Force Base on Guam in 2009.Partner countries could allow alternative landing and launch sites for the Global Hawk.The United States is initially pitching the Global Hawk consortium idea to Japan, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, India, Brunei and Sri Lanka, the Reuters news report said.Capt. Kristen Miller, a spokeswoman for Pacific Air Forces headquartered at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii, said the list of invited countries could grow later. Gen. Paul Hester, who heads U.S. Pacific Air Forces, told reporters in Washington last week he hoped to bring Global Hawk to the region next year to demonstrate its capabilities.

[http://www.southasianmedia.net/index_story.cfm?id=431792&category=Frontend&Country=SRI%20LANKA]

More information on the Global Hawk can be found on
http://www.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?fsID=175
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RQ-4_Global_Hawk
http://www.fas.org/irp/program/collect/global_hawk.htm

TERRIFIER OF TRIBAL RACIST TAMIL TERRORISTS

2007-10-03T16:26:00.000-07:00

[source: http://www.defencetalk.com/pictures/showphoto.php/photo/5914 ]

Sri Lanka has a variety of options to destroy the so called 'tigers'and chief among them is to individually target its leadership. This appears to be the current strategy, from the specific targetting that the SL Defence Forces are engaging in. This creates a number of additional fronts in the fight against terrorism, since that would make it necessary for the terrorist leadership to stay on the move in order to stay alive. These cowards have been terrorising tamil civillians for so long, such an eventuality would make the already paranoid 'reclusive' monkey king go completely off the hinges. For the self-appointed 'liberators' of the tamils, have been the most oppressive terrorists known in human history so far and are widely feared and simlarly hated by the peace seeking tamils forced to live under their guns.

SLAF TAKES OUT BIG WIG BABY KILLER

2007-10-02T21:18:00.000-07:00

The SLAF Kfir and Mig aircraft bombed the crap out of a hidey hole of a tamil racist terrorist baby killer today in Vishvamadu, confirming that the target was completely destroyed.

More can be found on ...http://defencewire.blogspot.com/

And this explains why these cowards always hide behind civillians while carrying out terrorist activities and talking big. When standing alone, they get mauled by real men..

Video coverage of the attack is now available on the http://www.defence.lk/ website of the Ministry of Defence. The initial strike appears to be carried out with a deep penetrating bunker buster type weapon which leaves a large crater of significant depth, followed by a larger number of ordnance in a scatter pattern. Precision targetting clearly takes out all identified targets in this strike.

Watch for the first strike by the Mig at low altitude, probably below 300 feet, followed by a Mig-27 which delivers the second strike. Low altitude strike capability indicates that the anti aircraft capabilities formerly boasted by pro-terrorist media has now become either defunct due to effective on board counter-measures carried by the aircraft, or were only bogus bravado by the yapping hyenas of imaginary e-lam. Or it just may be the old and proven combination of strategy, stealth and speed which takes them right to the target with no opposition. This is gutsy flying, to go supersonic at tree top level and the Sri Lankan pilots are proving to be in a class of their own.

ITS THOSE DAMNED CORRUPTION RIDDEN MIG27S AGAIN...

2007-09-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

..And they just bombed the crap out of whiny hyenas of the suicide bombing Inc..

http://defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070921_02
Click on the link at the bottom of the page.

Videos on how the Mig 27 performs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yr8fMyWfa20

I am really pissed off over the stupidity surrounding the Mig-27 deal and the sanctimoneous crap of a few media mudalalies who are willing to sell the future of the nation to achieve their own personal career objectives. Let me explain the basis of my irritation;

There are different ways to measure the value of anything, including military assets.

The first method is to value them based on what the market pays for them. This is a valid process where the asset is not in desperate need for survival, but serves only a ' in case of need' purpose.

The second method is to estimate the value of the asset based on the value of its service is to the individual investor based on the importance and urgency of need. In cases such as the one Sri Lanka finds herself in, this is the more appropriate method since the asset goes into action immediately and serves its purpose. In such cases the value of the asset needs to be evaluated taking into consideration what it performs and its proven value in the individual scenario. The value of the services rendered by the Mig-27s so far should by now convince any independent minded Sri Lankans that the dollar value which anyone else, who does not share Sri Lanka's own unique security situation is willing to pay for a Mig-27 has no relevance to Sri Lanka. To Sri Lankans who are sick and tired of tamil terrorism, the Mig-27s have already proven their value to be above and beyond the dollars paid for them.

Let me pose this question to you, the intelligent reader;
How much are you willing to pay for a compatible human kidney today ?
How much would you be willing to pay for the same kidney if your life depended on having it quickly?...

The issues revolving around the Mig-27 issue are no different. To find the right answer, it is imperative to always understand the problem clearly first.

And for those who kiss Iqbal Athas' ass, pose these to him and see what he has to say now..

MIGS THAT EARN THEIR KEEP

2007-08-22T18:26:00.000-07:00

Divergent views ; from overseas and local sources

Foreign military analysts think the Mig27 deal was a bargain
http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htmurph/articles/20070822.aspx

Some locals think otherwise
http://lankaenews.com/English/news.php?id=4545

Is this cheap politics as usual with no concern for the country's security ?

http://www.go2lanka.com/stories/082907_1.html

[http://www.airwar.ru/photo/mig27/mig-27e.html]

The work horse aircraft of the SLAF which carries a punch that is unmatched by any other on its inventory, has obviously made serious some enemies among those whom the average Sri Lankan considers to be its leaders. The leader of the tragically diminished main opposition party has a thorn up his ass about the SLAF acquiring any more of these air craft.

With leaders such as these, Sri Lanka really doesn't need enemies. That reality summarizes Sri Lanka's past and its present. Unless the future is different, this nation really has no hope.

It is upto the Sri Lankan voter to tell the pansy opposition leader to shed his mental limitations in dealing with terrorism, if he wants to continue in his political career. If not, the UNP needs to find a real man to take its leadership.

THE MIG-27 CONTROVERSY CONTINUES

2007-08-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent articles relating to the Mig-27 controversy, which make for interesting reading:

http://www.sundaytimes.lk/070819/Columns/sitreport.html
Readers please note the author of this particular article on Sunday Times claims to 'baring the truth behind the Operations cell of the Army's Directorate of Intelligence' at Athurugiriya. This treacherous act of publicly leaking information resulted in the assasinations of a large number of the Sri Lankan Defence forces Long-range commando personnel by LTTE killers during the so called 'Cease-fire' time.

http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070320_01
http://www.defence.lk/new.asp?fname=20070818_01

There is no doubt that transparency is important in all matters of public accountability. The counter-point to that is maintaining transparency while preserving security in the very same matters, to prevent leaking information that is of military significance to the enemy.Going by the tone with which Athas makes his claims referred to above, one wonders whether the media's so called 'defence analysts' haven't started crossing the line between responsible reportage and espionage for the enemy.

One important question in this issue is whether or not the SLG dealt govt-to-govt as it claims. In considering this issue, it is more important to assess which is most important; whether the government is telling the truth or not, versus whether the final outcome of this deal is beneficial to the SLAF and thereby to the outcome of a war which is clearly decisive for the future of our nation and also others in the region. The issue here isn't how virtuous our government is; rather, how good is it in taking care of our national security in a time of absolute threat. The current outfit is just too good at exactly that and that seems to scare the crap out of the tamil terrorists as well as those who think their own political futures are no longer safe. It obviously wouldn't be, once the ordinary man realizes how incompetent some of these familiar old political faces have been.

And then there's the question of how much truth is what the government says. Governments lie. This one wouldn't be the first nor the last. And it is not the only one in the world today that lies to its citizens and everyone else. Those who are too childish to understand that much, have no business talking politics.

So is corruption in Sri Lankan governance. As much as it would be ideal to live in a country where there is no corruption, only a fool would believe that such a nation ever existed in human history. Every nation has some corruption. In most, it is either well hidden or camoflaged in ways that make them hard to detect or prosecute. This is not to say that it is ok, or acceptable. It is what it is, as long as it remains manageable. There are bigger problems facing us today; like survival.. To mix our priorities could be fatal, in the face of the challenges ahead.

What is of greater importance and urgency today is to deal with a level of terrorism that is threatening the very existance of each and every man, woman and child irrespective of race, religion or language difference in Sri Lanka. Let's stop kidding ourselves that there are bigger priorities. There aren't.

In focussing on dealing with that threat as a priority, responsible Sri Lankans need to identify individuals and organizations that attempt to divert public attention from those priorities under various pretexes, irrespective of what the given reason is. Everything else is secondary to survival and those who tell us otherwise aren't our friends. They could well be an enemy in the guise of a friend, a hidden threat far worse than the enemy who is in the open.

JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY: HERE'S WHAT'S COMING

2007-08-09T15:31:00.000-07:00

On the High priority list:

F-7 G (4 units)
Originally based on the Mig-21, the F-7G is an upgraded version of the F-7P which was custom built for the Pakistani Air Force. The aircraft being acquired by the SLAF are supposed to be optimized for the ground-attack role, and superior to the PAF's F-7P.
http://www.sinodefence.com/airforce/fighter/j7e.asp

Mig-29 SM (4 units) and Mig-29 UB Trainer (1 unit)
The MiG-29SM is the further upgraded version of MiG-29SE aircraft with improved combat capabilities in the air-to-surface operating mode. It is equipped with precision guided weapons, such as Kh-29T(D) air-to-surface missiles and KAB-500KR TV-guided bombs, and the upgraded weapon control system that significantly improves efficiency and makes the aircraft really a multirole fighter.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/mig-29sm.htm

PT-6 Trainers (2 units)
http://www.hongdu.com.cn/yw/cpxx/pt6.htm

Blue Horizon 11 UAV
http://www.israeli-weapons.com/weapons/aircraft/uav/blue_horizon_2/Blue_Horizon_2.htm

JY-II mobile radars (2 units) http://www.sinodefence.com/electronics/radar/jy11.asp
At least one unit has arrived and has become operational. This is expected to fill a gap in the radar coverage that had not been filled by the Indian built Indra radars.

Main rotors for Mi-24 and Mi-24/35 helicopters, day/night camera for the Beech King signit aircraft. In addition to various other upgrades and repairs to the existing logistical aircraft, there are also plans for the setting up of repair facilities for SLAF aircraft in Sri Lanka.

Additional Beech King surveillance aircraft are also on the cards.
http://www.aerospace-technology.com/projects/raytheon_bk_air200/

Mig 29

2007-06-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Mig 29

2007-05-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

Russian Mig 29

General characteristics

Crew: One
Length: 17.37 m (57 ft)
Wingspan: 11.4 m (37 ft 3 in)
Height: 4.73 m (15 ft 6 in)
Wing area: 38 m² (409 ft²)
Empty weight: 11,000 kg (24,250 lb)
Loaded weight: 16,800 kg (37,000 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 21,000 kg (46,300 lb)
Powerplant: 2× Klimov RD-33K afterburning turbofans, 98.4 kN (22,200 lb_f) each

Performance

Maximum speed: Mach 2.3 - 2,445 km/h (1,518 mph)
Range: 700 km combat, 2,900 km ferry (430 mi / 1,800 mi)
Service ceiling: 18,013 m / 59 060 ft (59,100 ft)
Rate of climb: 330 m/s (65,000 ft/min)
Wing loading: 442 kg/m² (90.5 lb/ft²)
Thrust/weight: 1.13

Armament

1x 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 150 rounds
Up to 3,500 kg (7,720 lb) of weapons including 6 air-to-air missiles — a mix of semi-active radar homing (SARH) and AA-8 'Aphid', AA-10 'Alamo', AA-11 'Archer', AA-12 'Adder', FAB 500-M62, FAB-1000, TN-100, ECM Pods, S-24, AS-12, AS-14.

Avionics

Phazotron N-109 radar

2007-05-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

Kfir