80 p.c. of Air Defence System completed

SLAF ready for any threat, says Commander:

Ranil WIJAYAPALA

COLOMBO: The Sri Lanka Air Force is ready to face any air threat from the LTTE with more than 80 per cent of the Air Defence System completed with India’s support, Air Force Commander Air Vice Marshal Roshan Goonetilleke told the Daily News.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News, Commander Goonetilleke said only a little more has to be done to establish a comprehensive air defence system.

“Actually we have finished 80 per cent of the work. We have very little more to do. And that 80 per cent can definitely take charge of the kind of threat we saw in three [LTTE air] attacks,” the Commander added.

He said with the LTTE air attacks the SLAF managed to accelerate the programme of establishing a fully capable air defence system with the help of India.

“India volunteered to extend support. They have been good enough to give equipment to us free and their people to train our people, wait and operate these equipment until we are quite comfortable to operate on our own,” the Air Force Commander said.

He said that apart from the establishment of the air defence system, the Air Force also took measures to destroy air capabilities of the LTTE by bombing those places.

“We have not just waited. We have also bombed their places and done a lot of damage to where we think they have their facilities,” he said.

He said although intelligence reports say the LTTE had flown again, the Air Force has not seen or collected any concrete proof to that effect.

“Of course we are constantly alert,” the Commander added.

He said the requirement to purchase MiG 29 fighter aircraft was forwarded prior to the LTTE coming out with the air threat and the SLAF will definitely go for MiG 29s once the Ministry of Defence approves it.

Full interview