By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)
Photo: Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the upgrade and modernisation programme for the Sri Lanka Air Force’s existing Kfir fighter aircraft fleet. The milestone was marked by the successful first flight of the upgraded aircraft.
IAI said the programme extends the operational life of Sri Lanka’s active Kfir fleet. The company described the project as a historic milestone for one of Israel’s most iconic domestically developed fighter aircraft.
The programme included extensive avionics modernisation, mission systems upgrades, structural refurbishment and renewed maintenance capabilities. IAI said the work is designed to improve mission readiness and significantly extend the aircraft’s operational life.
The modernisation centred on integrating advanced avionics and mission systems. These include a modern glass cockpit configuration intended to improve situational awareness, navigation, communication, precision weapon deployment, mission planning and debriefing functions.
IAI said the upgrades reduce pilot workload and improve mission effectiveness. The company said they also provide a foundation for future operational growth.
“The Kfir represents a significant chapter in Israel’s aerospace industry and reflects the technological and engineering capabilities that have characterized IAI for decades,” said Boaz Levy, Chairman of IAI. “The successful modernization of the Sri Lanka Air Force fleet demonstrates how advanced technologies can be integrated into proven platforms to address evolving operational requirements and modern battlefield challenges.”
“This program highlights IAI’s ability to continuously innovate while maximizing the value and operational effectiveness of existing defense assets,” Levy said. IAI said the project demonstrates the continued operational evolution of the Kfir platform.
“This modernization program reflects IAI’s long-standing commitment to supporting its customers throughout the full lifecycle of their aircraft fleets,” said Moshe Levy, Chief Executive of IAI. “Seeing the Kfir continue to fly operationally for more than 50 years after its development is a testament to engineering excellence and to IAI’s long-standing ability to modernize and extend the life of advanced combat aircraft.”
“We are proud to support the Sri Lanka Air Force through this program and to open a new operational chapter for the world’s active Kfir fleets,” Moshe Levy said. The company said the programme underlines its experience in aircraft modernisation and life-extension work.
“The Kfir holds a unique place in the history of Israeli aviation as one of the most iconic fighter aircraft ever developed and manufactured in Israel,” said Yaacov Berkovitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager of IAI Aviation Group. “This modernization program combines decades of operational and engineering experience with advanced upgrade capabilities that enable legacy platforms to remain relevant in today’s operational environment.”
“For us, this project is both a technological achievement and a meaningful milestone in the continued operational story of the Kfir platform,” Berkovitz said. IAI said the effort shows how legacy combat aircraft can remain relevant through advanced technologies and renewed structural capabilities.
The Kfir was developed and manufactured in Israel in the 1970s. It served for years as a central fighter aircraft in the Israeli Air Force and continues to operate in several air forces and operational frameworks worldwide.
IAI said current Kfir users include Sri Lanka, Colombia and the U.S.-based company ATAC. ATAC operates the aircraft as an adversary training platform, which IAI said reflects the platform’s robust design, operational effectiveness and long-term adaptability.
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