The ALH arrived in Colombo on Thursday, one day after the Shardul-class Landing Ship Tank. Its job was to train SLAF pilots and Sri Lanka Navy ships for shipborne helicopter operations.
“The training is meant to get SLAF pilots used to the ALH and give them experience as co-pilots.” During that time, the training team is also going to do a lot of Deck Landing Practice on a Sri Lankan Navy Ship, the Indian High Commission in Colombo said.
Indian government’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” includes building up the skills of its neighbors. The training is in line with this policy. The Indian diplomatic office said that the engagement would also lead to better interoperability and the smooth running of coordinated maritime operations.
The indigenous ALH helicopter was sent to Sri Lanka from March 23rd to March 31st, 2022, to help train SLAF pilots to be co-pilots during deck landings and to teach SLN people how to land, which is a unique skill to have.
“The high level of understanding and coordination between the Armed Forces of the two countries further cement the close relations achieved through millennia old friendly ties between the two neighbours,” the High Court said.
