The U.S. transferred ten TH-57 (Bell 206) helicopters to the Sri Lankan Air Force on January 7. The transfer enhances the force’s fleet and pilot training by supporting more effective disaster response, while strengthening U.S. - Sri Lanka defense ties.
The helicopters are being provided under the Excess Defense Articles program, with no cost for the aircraft. The U.S. Navy previously used the TH-57 Sea Ranger —a derivative of the commercial Bell Jet Ranger 206— for training, as well as photo, chase and utility missions.
DSCA worked closely with the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the Navy International Program Office to ensure smooth case development and turnover. The transfer will enhance Sri Lanka's emergency response capabilities, which were severely limited during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, due to a shortage of available aircraft, hindering evacuations and search-and-rescue missions.
The first batch of aircraft is expected to arrive as early as February.