TSAMTO, June 16. The Israeli company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has completed the modernization of the fleet of Kfir combat aircraft of the Sri Lanka Air Force, which allowed them to resume combat use.
According to Jane's Defense Weekly, the Sri Lankan Air Force's Kfir fleet, originally purchased in 1996, consisted of 16 aircraft (10 C2, four C7 and two TC2). The US embargo imposed on Sri Lanka in 2008 restricted access to spare parts and led to the withdrawal of fighter jets from combat in 2011.
In 2021, IAI announced the signing of a $50 million contract to modernize the platforms, and on June 11, 2026, together with the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense, confirmed the completion of this program.
According to the Sri Lankan Air Force, the program included four Kfir C2/C7 combat aircraft (three C2 and one C7) and one combat trainer TC2, which were upgraded to the Kfir C12 standard. The main elements of the project were the integration of new avionics and flight control systems. These include a modern "glass cabin" to increase situational awareness, as well as upgraded navigation and communication systems.
According to the IAI, the aircraft also received flight planning and task analysis functions, as well as the ability to use high-precision weapons.
According to the Sri Lankan Air Force Command, the upgraded Kfir C12 will provide enhanced capabilities for hitting air and ground targets, turning the outdated aircraft into a multi-purpose combat platform that allows it to perform a wider range of tasks with greater efficiency.
Although the IAI did not specify which systems were integrated on board, in 2021 it was reported that the agreement would include the integration of avionics of generation 4+ fighters, including new radar, sensors and helmets.
In addition to increasing combat capabilities, the program has extended the life of the Kfir fleet by modernizing structural elements, updating the maintenance system, and integrating new devices. Modernization should reduce the burden on pilots, increasing the efficiency of tasks.
The Sri Lankan Air Force technical staff participated in the modernization, along with IAI specialists.
A video released on June 11 by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Defense shows two upgraded Kfir aircraft: a two-seat combat trainer (BN SFT1026) and a single-seat combat (SFM1018). Kfir are part of the Sri Lankan Air Force's 10th Fighter Squadron, stationed at Katunayaka Base.
Designed and manufactured in Israel in the 1970s, the Kfir is also operated by the Colombian Air Force and the American Airborne Tactical Advantage Company (ATAC), which uses it as a platform to simulate enemy actions.
The restoration of the Kfir fleet will enhance the combat capability of the Sri Lankan Air Force, reducing the burden on the aging fleet of eight third-generation Chinese-made F-7BS/GS aircraft. Although the Kfir was primarily used to strike ground targets during the Civil War, the upgraded aircraft could probably also be used for air defense.
