The United States and Sri Lanka have launched Atlas Angel II, a joint military exercise focused on strengthening cooperation and readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.
The exercise, running from August 31 to September 4, brings together U.S. and Sri Lankan military personnel and subject-matter experts for training in areas including C-130 aircraft maintenance, urban search and rescue, incident command systems, construction engineering, landslide response and hazardous-material emergencies involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.
Montana National Guard teams, led by Assistant Adjutant General for Air Brigadier General Trace Thomas and Assistant Adjutant General for Army Brigadier General Renea Dorvall, will participate alongside personnel from the Sri Lanka Air Force and U.S. Pacific Air Forces. Observers from the United Kingdom and Bangladesh will also take part.
The exercise is centred at Sri Lanka Air Force Base Katunayake and in Kandy, with the aim of improving coordination, communication and interoperability between the participating forces during disaster situations.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Eric Meyer said the exercise demonstrates the practical strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and helps ensure both countries are better prepared when disasters strike.
Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe said natural disasters do not recognise borders or economic strength, stressing the importance of countries working together to assist affected communities.
The importance of such cooperation was demonstrated during Cyclone Ditwah in December 2025, when U.S. and Sri Lankan forces worked together to provide logistical assistance to affected communities, including the delivery of supplies by two U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.
Atlas Angel II builds on the State Partnership between the Montana National Guard and Sri Lanka established in 2021. A memorandum of understanding signed in November 2025 further strengthened cooperation involving the Montana National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard District 13 and the Sri Lankan Armed Forces in areas including disaster response, aviation and maritime security.
The exercise will also include cultural engagement, with musicians from the U.S. Air Forces Band of the Pacific working and performing alongside Sri Lankan musicians.
