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“Deterrence through Detection” UNCLASSIFIED

Maritime-Air Operations Conducted with the SLAF

26. The SLN has fostered a longstanding partnership with the Sri Lanka Air Force

(SLAF) to enhance national security within and beyond Sri Lankan territorial waters.
Most significant highlight of this partnership was the establishment of the ‘Joint
Maritime Surveillance Command Operations Room (JMSCOR) at Dockyard, Trincomalee.
This was critical in providing Close Air Support (CAIRS) for SLN fleet units during
littoral skirmishes with the LTTE and conduct of sea convoys along the North-East
maritime supply route until end of the Humanitarian Operation in 2009.

27. With the emergence of evolving maritime threats such as illegal fishing,
smuggling, piracy, search and rescue (SAR) and other regional security challenges the
SLN identified the critical need for aerial surveillance to complement its naval
operations. This collaboration laid the foundation for coordinated maritime patrols,
combining SLAF’s aerial reconnaissance capabilities with SLN’s maritime resources.

28. A pivotal milestone in advancing SLN's surveillance capabilities occurred in 2009
with the introduction of Naval Air Observers. To support this initiative, the Indian Navy
extended its expertise by training SLN officers at the Naval Aviation Training
Establishment in Kochi. These officers undergo specialized training in aerial
surveillance, navigation, reconnaissance, and threat assessment. As Naval Observers
aboard aircraft, they bring critical expertise to analyse real-time data, identify potential
threats, and coordinate with naval units for rapid response. So far, a considerable
number of Naval Officers have successfully completed this training with Indian Navy
assistance, marking a significant step toward seamless inter-force operational
integration.SLN and SLAF surveillance capacity received a substantial boost in 2022
with the induction of the Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft, provided by India to
SLAF. This state-of-the-art aircraft is equipped with advanced surveillance radar, AIS,
and day/night cameras, enabling effective monitoring of vast maritime areas, detecting
suspicious vessels, and conducting SAR missions. These capabilities have significantly
expanded SLN’s operational reach, allowing comprehensive coverage of Sri Lanka’s
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Figure 1
Dornier 228 handing over to Sri Lanka on 15 August, 2022
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UNCLASSIFIED “Deterrence through Detection”