The Cabinet has approved a multi-million-dollar proposal for the refurbishment of four MI-17 helicopters belonging to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Sri Lanka Latest News reports.
The tender has been awarded to the lowest bidder, M/s Winsley Defense Group d.o.o. of Bosnia and Herzegovina, represented in Sri Lanka by its local agent, M/s Securatec Lanka (Pvt) Limited.
The total cost for the refurbishment and life-extension of the four helicopters is approximately US$18 million (around Rs. 5.4 billion), with each helicopter costing about US$4.5 million. This amount also includes round-trip transportation and insurance costs for transferring the helicopters.
Although the procurement process was initiated in 2023, the tender award faced delays due to administrative and bureaucratic procedures.
An SLAF source emphasized the urgency of the overhaul, noting that deadlines for the service life extension had been set long ago. The source warned that delays could affect essential local operations, including flood-relief missions and other national duties, as well as participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions carried out by SLAF personnel.
A comprehensive report on the tender and the MI-17 service-life extension program is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet next week. The details are also scheduled to be disclosed during the weekly Cabinet briefing, according to the Sunday Times.
