Cooperation between Australia and Sri Lanka is a particular focus of this year’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE), Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity bringing together defence forces, governments and communities to build stronger partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.

Australia’s bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka places strong emphasis on maritime security, education and training, including aviation.

Both countries share a commitment to an open, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region, underpinned by collaboration to counter transnational crime and safeguard vital sea lanes.

It is a partnership that combines capability development with trust, ensuring both nations are better prepared to meet the evolving challenges of the maritime domain.

In October 2024, the Australian Government gifted a former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) King Air 350 to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

The versatile aircraft, equipped with advanced electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) systems, has significantly boosted Sri Lanka’s capacity to conduct maritime surveillance and respond to search and rescue requirements.

'Flying brings us together, but it’s the shared meals, the conversations, and the laughter that build real partnerships.'

Training Flight Commander at 32 Squadron, Squadron Leader Glenn Canfield, a qualified flying instructor with more than 9000 hours of flying experience, ferried the aircraft to Sri Lanka.

“I delivered the Royal Australian Air Force King Air 350 to the Sri Lanka Air Force in October 2024, routing through Indonesia and Malaysia,” Squadron Leader Canfield said.

The King Air 350 has since proved to be an invaluable asset.

“Since arriving last year, the Sri Lanka Air Force has flown over 400 hours and conducted more than 100 missions in the King Air 350, proving its value as a versatile platform for maritime surveillance across the country’s vast coastline,” Squadron leader Canfield said.

“The King Air 350 brings a powerful EO/IR capability, making it a proven platform for monitoring vast stretches of ocean and responding rapidly to search and rescue requirements.”

As part of IPE25, Squadron Leader Canfield returned to Sri Lanka to continue familiarisation training with SLAF personnel and to lead a subject matter expert (SME) exchange at SLAF China Bay.

“It’s a privilege to be back in Sri Lanka, working alongside our Sri Lanka Air Force colleagues and sharing how the King Air can support maritime surveillance, and search and rescue operations,” he said.

“Conducting the SME exchange at SLAF China Bay was incredibly rewarding – both professionally and personally – as it helped us build stronger ties and learn from each other’s approaches.”

'The Sri Lanka Air Force has flown over 400 hours and conducted more than 100 missions in the King Air 350, proving its value as a versatile platform.'

Beyond the technical work, Squadron Leader Canfield reflected on the human connections made through these exchanges.

“Flying brings us together, but it’s the shared meals, the conversations and the laughter that build real partnerships,” he said.

These exchanges capture the essence of Indo-Pacific Endeavour: fostering interoperability, trust and shared expertise.

While platforms such as the King Air 350 provide valuable capability, it is the collaboration between people that ensures long-term effectiveness and mutual understanding.

For both Australia and Sri Lanka, the King Air 350 has become more than an aircraft. It is a symbol of partnership, enhancing Sri Lanka’s operational capacity while reinforcing the importance of joint training, cooperation and the shared goal of securing the Indo-Pacific.

As Indo-Pacific Endeavour continues to evolve, initiatives like these demonstrate how investments in capability, training and collaboration strengthen not only the individual nations involved but also the broader stability and resilience of the region.