| dc.description.abstract | Sri Lanka's strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its expansive Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ) present both immense opportunities and significant vulnerabilities. Maritime threats
such as piracy, drug trafficking, illegal fishing, arms smuggling, and human trafficking have
intensified in recent years, requiring enhanced maritime surveillance and rapid response
capabilities (Bandara, 2018; Hapugoda, 2020). This paper critically evaluates the Sri Lanka
Navy's (SLN) development of shipborne aircraft as a strategic solution to these challenges.
Drawing on qualitative data, the study explores the operational effectiveness of shipborne
helicopters, the prerequisites for their deployment, and the broader implications for national
security and regional stability. The findings highlight that acquiring shipborne air power is vital
to increase effectiveness of operations, and the capability of ships to operate them as well.
However, it emphasises of fulfilling other requisites such as training of crew and pilots,
requirements of ground support and frequent joint operations with Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The paper concludes by recommending implementing increased spending on shipborne
aircraft, comprehensive programmes, infrastructure development, staged execution and
inter-service cooperation in order to increase effectiveness of operations. | en_US |
