Sri Lanka has developed its own unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), which is being tested by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), former Chief of Defence Staff and Air Force Commander Roshan Goonetileke has said.

SLAF will demonstrate the UAV after testing a new engine for it.

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“In the 1980s we developed an indigenous aircraft, a small one and we tested it and flew it. Now it’s in the Ratmalana Air Force Museum. We soon plan to build a medium-range aircraft by using our own resources as well,” Goonetileke said.

He also said the SLAF was planning to upgrade its air-to-air capabilities in the near future, and was identifying areas that need improvement.

“We have to purchase new aircraft as well since we have to phase out old aircraft. We have to train pilots properly to meet high standards of future aircraft,” he added.

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