Navy to get six Fast Attack Craft from Israel

Rafik JALALDEEN

The Navy is to bring six Fast Attack Craft (FAC) from Israel next month to strengthen its ocean going fleet.

Addressing the media at the MCNS yesterday, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Thisara Samarasinghe said the Navy has lost its several FACs during the sea attacks by the LTTE. To replace the lost craft, the Navy had taken steps to bring six FAC from Israel.

“We have signed an agreement to bring six FAC from Israel. They will be brought to the country in different phases from January 2010,” he added.

He observed that the Navy was also in discussions to acquire airborne capability. “We have raised the matter with the Defence Secretary. We have also discussed this with the Air Force Commander. We have four ships with facilities to land a chopper. Therefore, we are looking at the possibility of having airborne capabilities,” the Navy Commander said. Responding to a question, Commander Samarasinghe said the Navy did not acquire any assets belonging to the LTTE neither ships nor any other LTTE’s assets. These are still in the legal process.

He said Sea Tiger leader Soosai’s family are safe and well. All matters will be dealt with under the law.

The Navy Commander noticed that the Navy was in need of acquiring ships and manpower to face future requirements.

“We have 45,000 sailors in the Navy. It will be insufficient to face the future requirements as the Navy has more tasks to achieve in the sea and land,” he added.