Joint military exercise set for Sri Lanka

A total of 300 personnel, including 123 foreign participants, will engage in drills focused on search and rescue (SAR), aeromedical evacuation, mass casualty response, and airlift operations. Eight Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) will be conducted at SLAF Base Katunayake, with additional training at China Bay and Ampara.

The United States Air Force will deploy two C-130J aircraft, while Sri Lanka will contribute Bell 412, B-212, and King Air 350 aircraft. The Sri Lanka Navy will also provide maritime platforms to support open-water SAR drills.

Pacific Angel 2025 highlights growing regional defence cooperation and strengthens Sri Lanka’s capacity to respond to natural disasters. The exercise enhances interoperability, builds professional ties, and reinforces the enduring partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States.