The Sri Lanka Air Force No 10 Kfir Squadron known as the 'Desert Lion' completed 25 years in service and celebrated its Silver Jubilee on January 5.
Speaking to the Daily News on this special occasion, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana said plans are afoot to re-establish the Kfir Squadron back into action by upgrading it with one train and four single-seaters through Battlefield Air interdiction (BAI). The manufacturer is Israel. This initiative will commence this year in line with the Silver Jubilee and the Air Force's 70th anniversary.
He said that the process is at the agreement stage and the agreement for the upgrading of the Kfir Squadron would be signed either this month or next month. The Commander said that the project is expected to be completed within three years.
Air Marshal Pathirana noted that the aim is to ensure that all the experience gathered by them flying the Kfir jets could be given to the next generation of pilots before they retire.
On January 5, 1996, this Squadron was formed at the SLAF Base in Katunayake with Six Kfir multirole fighter jets acquired from Israel and since then this Squadron has continued to render a magnificent service to the nation while keeping the Air Force ensign flying high. The main focus of the Squadron is to carry out close Air Support, Air Interception, Air Interdiction, Maritime Air Interdiction and Battlefield Air interdiction.
The Kfir Squadron was established with six officers, including the current Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sudharshana Pathirana. Many ground offensives and manoeuvres had been planned in almost all operations conducted since the birth of this Squadron counting on its ability and proven track record of delivering precise and timely attacks on enemy targets during the war.
