The United States Navy, through Naval Air Systems Command at Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Southern Maryland, has transferred 10 TH-57 Sea Ranger helicopters to the Sri Lanka Air Force under the Excess Defense Articles program, bolstering bilateral defense ties and enhancing Sri Lanka’s capabilities in pilot training, disaster response, and humanitarian assistance.
The donation occurred in early January 2026, with the aircraft provided at no cost to Sri Lanka. The first batch is scheduled to arrive in Sri Lanka as early as February 2026, with additional deliveries to follow. This marks a practical step in ongoing U.S.-Sri Lanka cooperation, following recent U.S. support during Cyclone Ditwah in November 2025, which highlighted Sri Lanka’s need for additional rotary-wing assets for evacuations and search-and-rescue operations.
Capt. Duane Whitmer, program manager for the Naval Undergraduate Flight Training Systems Program Office (PMA-273), stated: “The transfer of excess helicopters reflects the United States Navy’s commitment to international partnership. By providing platforms that still have significant operational value, we aim to support the Sri Lanka Air Force’s ability to respond to humanitarian assistance, disaster relief and training needs while strengthening the long-standing relationship between our two nations.”
Douglas Mankin, foreign military sales lead for the Adversary and Specialized Aircraft Program Office (PMA-226) at Naval Air Systems Command’s Security Cooperation Office, added: “Defense cooperation is an important pillar of international relations and initiatives like the transfer of excess helicopters help build trust, interoperability and mutual understanding between partner nations. The United States values its relationship with Sri Lanka and remains committed to working together to promote regional stability and shared security interests.”
The TH-57 Sea Ranger, a military version of the commercial Bell 206 Jet Ranger, served the U.S. Navy for pilot training, photo missions, chase duties, and utility roles since entering service in 1968. The Navy has phased it out in favor of the newer TH-73 Thrasher helicopter. PMA-273, headquartered at Patuxent River, oversees the TH-57 and TH-73 programs, developing and managing naval flight training systems that equip student pilots and flight officers with essential skills for carrier-capable and mission-critical operations.
PMA-226, primarily based at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, manages airworthiness and acquisition for various aircraft types, including specialized platforms, with distributed teams across the country.
The transfer aligns with broader U.S. efforts to support partner nations through excess defense equipment, promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. While the donation focuses on Sri Lanka’s operational needs—particularly after the cyclone exposed fleet limitations—it underscores Patuxent River’s role as a hub for naval aviation acquisition and international security cooperation programs.
No direct Southern Maryland impact beyond the base’s program management involvement appears in reports, though NAS Patuxent River remains central to such global transfers due to its oversight of training aircraft lifecycles.
