The US has handed over 10 TH‑57 Bell 206 helicopters to the Sri Lankan Air Force under the Excess Defense Articles program to strengthen the country’s emergency response and pilot training capabilities.

A derivative of the Bell Jet Ranger 206 previously used by the US Navy for training and utility missions, the helicopters are expected to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the helicopters will help address gaps highlighted during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, when limited aircraft availability slowed evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.

Beyond disaster response, the handover reinforces US-Sri Lanka defense ties and practical cooperation.

US-Sri Lanka Defense Partnerships

Bilateral defense cooperation has expanded through equipment transfers, training, and formal agreements.

In November 2025, Sri Lanka signed a memorandum of understanding under the US Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program with the Montana National Guard, US Coast Guard District 13, and the Sri Lanka Armed Forces.

The deal covers joint training, maritime security, disaster response, cyber defense, and professional military education.

Other recent US assistance includes the donation of explosive ordnance disposal training equipment, support for Tactical Combat Casualty Care courses at Sri Lanka’s School of Military Engineering in mid-2025, and a Beechcraft King Air 360ER surveillance aircraft in late 2022 to strengthen maritime monitoring.