The Sri Lanka Air Force plans to buy four drone systems from Israel's BlueBird Aero Systems for an estimated 4.26 billion rupees, about $12.8 million, Russia's TSAMTO reports, citing Sri Lanka's Daily FT. The purchase would be made under an agreement between the two governments.
The package covers two ThunderB drones, which can stay airborne for up to 12 hours, and two unnamed vertical take-off drones with up to 20 hours of endurance, plus training and three years of maintenance. The air force first planned to buy only two systems.
Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara presented the plan in parliament during a debate on extra budget spending. He said patrolling the sea with crewed aircraft is costly, and that the drones will watch the exclusive economic zone, track suspicious ships, search for missing fishermen and support rescues. Money saved from the helicopter maintenance budget will pay for them.
After parliament approves it, the contract needs a legal review by the Attorney General's department and government approval. It is due to be signed in December 2026.
Background
Bluebird Aero Systems
Israeli drone maker
An Israeli military drone maker, founded in 2002, in which Israel Aerospace Industries holds 50%.
