The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) is set to add one of its overhauled and upgraded Kfir multirole combat aircraft to its fleet within the first three months of next year, the Daily Mirror learns.

This is part of a $50 million agreement signed with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) in 2021 to modernize the fleet of Kfir fighter jets.

Under the contract, five Kfir aircraft from SLAF's No. 10 Squadron are being upgraded with advanced 4+ generation avionics. This includes the integration of modern radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets, with a view to enhancing the jets' operational capabilities.

The programme also aims to transfer essential skills and knowledge to SLAF personnel, with some work being carried out locally in Sri Lanka.

The upgrade follows IAI’s successful modernization of Colombia's Kfir fleet and is expected to bring the aircraft up to a 4.5-generation standard.

Although only the engines and critical components are being sent to Israel, the majority of the overhaul will take place at SLAF's Katunayake facility, with experts from Israel supporting the process, a spokesman of the SLAF said.

The upgrade comes with a 15-year guarantee from IAI once completed. The company, which has extensive experience in upgrading military and commercial aircraft, has worked with clients such as the Israel Air Force, US Air Force, and Boeing.

Earlier, in response to a media query, over the necessity of maintaining fighter jets like Kfir and F7 in the SLAF's fleet, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa said that while they don't currently see an immediate need to phase out such jets, they are focusing on serviceability and plan to upgrade the existing five Kfir jets, by the first half of next year.

“It’s not a matter to say that we don't need any Kfir's but we have to understand and prioritize certain things depending on the economy of the country. Our leadership has given us certain priorities. So, our priority today is the peace in the Indian Ocean. We are planning to upgrade the five Kfir jets by the first half of next year," he said. “That fleet will come into operation by next year," he said.

As part of its broader fleet expansion efforts, SLAF has also procured two new Chinese-made Y12 aircraft.

The government will conduct fresh probes into the scams involved in the import of a stock of biofertilizer from China and in the introduction of organic farming during the time of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a minister said yesterday.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said today that the people will know whether the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MPs had sought assistance from the President’s Fund as claimed by SJB MP Dayasiri Jayasekara when the rest of the list is released soon.

The circular issued by the Western Province Education Zonal Ministry prohibiting private tutoring classes for students by school teachers, along with the letter issued by the Education Ministry regarding modulators, has been withdrawn, Parliamentarian Mahinda Jayasinghe said.

Adding further controversy to the misuse of the President’s Fund, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Dayasiri Jayasekera yesterday said some of JVP members also sought assistance from the President’s funds prior to 2010.

In response to queries about the potential introduction of new taxes on imported vehicles, Cabinet Spokesman Nalinda Jayathissa said today that the Finance Ministry will make an official announcement regarding taxes in the future.

In response to widespread concerns regarding the alleged presence of Israeli soldier Gal Ferenbook in Colombo, police said that they have not received any verified information on the matter.

The tri-forces security provided to former Presidents will be removed from today as announced by Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala. The Defence Ministry said instructions regarding the matter have been issued to the Commanders of the tri-forces. The Defence Ministry said only police security will be assigned for the security of former Presidents.

The Ministry of Education announced that the second stage of the third term for the 2024 academic year in all government and government-approved private schools will commence on January 2, 2025. The term is set to run for three weeks, concluding on January 24, 2025.

A female student and another woman were killed after being struck by an express train at the Anuradhapura New Town Railway Station. The victims were part of a group from Ratnapura attending a taekwondo tournament at the Anuradhapura Public Ground.

A 30-year-old man was injured in a shooting by two unidentified assailants who arrived on a motorcycle in Koskandawala, Weeragula this afternoon.