IAI completes Kfir fighter jet upgrade for Sri Lanka Air Force
Israel Aerospace Industries has completed a comprehensive $50 million modernization of five Sri Lankan Kfir fighter jets, with the first upgraded aircraft flying on June 14, 2026. The program includes avionics, cockpit, and structural upgrades to extend operational life. The Kfir, originally developed in Israel in the 1970s, also serves Colombia and US firm ATAC. The project highlights IAI’s aircraft life-extension expertise and bilateral defense cooperation.
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Israel Aerospace Industries completes Kfir fighter upgrade for Sri Lanka
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has finalized the upgrade of five Kfir fighter jets for the Sri Lanka Air Force, with the modernized aircraft conducting its first flight test on 14 June 2026. The $50 million contract, signed in June 2021 with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, involved comprehensive enhancements to aircraft operated by the No. 10 Squadron. The upgrade includes advanced avionics integration, a new glass cockpit, updated navigation and communications systems, structural refurbishments, and renewed maintenance capabilities. These improvements are designed to extend the operational life of the aircraft, increase mission readiness, and enhance precision weapon deployment. IAI CEO Moshe Levy stated the program reflects the company's commitment to supporting customers throughout the full lifecycle of their aircraft fleets. The Kfir, originally developed by Israel in the 1970s, remains in service in Sri Lanka, Colombia, and with US-based ATAC for adversary training.
Airforce TechnologyIAI completes Kfir fighter upgrade for Sri Lanka Air Force
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has finalized a comprehensive upgrade of five Kfir fighter jets for the Sri Lanka Air Force, under a $50 million contract signed in June 2021 with Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence. The modernized aircraft conducted its first flight test on June 14, 2026. The upgrade includes advanced avionics integration, a new glass cockpit, updates to navigation and communications systems, structural refurbishments, and enhanced maintenance capabilities to extend operational life and mission readiness. Mission system improvements also aim to enhance precision weapon deployment, mission planning, and debriefing, reducing pilot workload. Sri Lanka operates a fleet of seven Kfir aircraft, with five upgraded by IAI. The Kfir, originally developed by Israel in the 1970s, also remains in service in Colombia and with US company ATAC for adversary training.
Airforce TechnologyIsrael Aerospace Industries completes Kfir fighter upgrade for Sri Lanka
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has finalized the upgrade of the Sri Lanka Air Force's Kfir fighter jets. The modernized aircraft conducted its first flight test on June 14, 2026, marking a milestone in the bilateral defense cooperation between Israel and Sri Lanka. The Kfir, an Israeli-built multirole combat aircraft originally derived from the French Mirage 5, has been in service with Sri Lanka since the 1990s. The upgrade program likely includes avionics modernization, radar enhancements, and weapon system integration to extend the service life and combat capability of the aging fleet. This development underscores IAI's continued role in providing defense upgrades to international partners and Sri Lanka's efforts to maintain its air defense capabilities amid regional security dynamics.
Airforce TechnologySri Lanka: Kfir fighter jets successfully upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a comprehensive modernization program for the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir fighter jet fleet, marked by the successful first flight of an upgraded aircraft. The program includes avionics and mission system upgrades, a structural overhaul, and restoration of maintenance capabilities to extend operational life and improve readiness. Key enhancements include a state-of-the-art glass cockpit for better situational awareness, navigation, communication, precision weapon deployment, and mission planning. IAI executives highlighted the Kfir's continued relevance over 50 years after its development, noting its use by Sri Lanka, Colombia, and the US company ATAC. The project underscores IAI's expertise in aircraft modernization and life extension programs.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSri Lanka: Kfir fighter jets successfully upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a comprehensive modernization program for the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir fighter jet fleet, marked by the successful first flight of an upgraded aircraft. The program included avionics modernization, mission system upgrades, structural overhaul, and restoration of maintenance capabilities to extend operational life and improve readiness. Key upgrades feature a state-of-the-art glass cockpit for enhanced situational awareness, navigation, communication, precision weapon deployment, and mission planning. IAI executives highlighted the Kfir's continued relevance over 50 years after its development, noting its use by Sri Lanka, Colombia, and the US company ATAC. The project underscores IAI's expertise in aircraft life extension and modernization.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und WehrtechnikSri Lanka: Kfir fighter jets successfully upgraded by Israel Aerospace Industries
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed a comprehensive modernization program for the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir fighter jet fleet, marked by the successful first flight of an upgraded aircraft. The program includes avionics and mission system upgrades, a structural overhaul, and restoration of maintenance capabilities, aimed at extending the Kfir's operational life and improving readiness. Key enhancements include a state-of-the-art glass cockpit for better situational awareness, navigation, communication, precision weapon deployment, and mission planning. IAI executives highlighted the Kfir's enduring relevance, noting it remains in service over 50 years after its development in Israel. The aircraft is also operated by Colombia and used by US company ATAC for adversary air combat training. The project underscores IAI's expertise in aircraft life extension and modernization.
CPM Defence Network – News: Verteidigung und Wehrtechnik