Advanced US maritime patrol aircraft visits Sri Lanka

The “Red Lancers” of Patrol Squadron TEN (VP-10) departed Sri Lanka on Sunday, December 11, aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft from Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota. The Poseidon arrived in Colombo on December 4, where its sailors met with Sri Lanka military personnel to demonstrate the capabilities of the P-8A and exchanged expert advice.

The exercise worked with Sri Lanka Air Force and Navy in safe-guarding the international shipping lanes that are vital to global commerce. “This bilateral partnership with Sri Lanka security forces reinforces the global maritime rules that produces greater prosperity for all of us,” said U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Robert Hilton. The Red Lancers are stationed in Jacksonville, Fla. and currently on a routine deployment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific to ensure safety and security of vital sea lanes and trade routes, including integrating air and sea patrol operations. The P-8A is a multi-mission aircraft that provides long-range maritime patrol capabilities, making it the most advanced ocean surveillance aircraft in the world. “We are pleased about the opportunity to partner with our friends in the Sri Lankan government and armed forces,” said Lt. Anthony Beres, the detachment officer in charge.

“The P-8A Poseidon brings advanced capabilities to maritime safety patrols, search and rescue, counter-narcotics, and humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, and we appreciated engaging with the Sri Lankan Navy during this visit.”