Sri Lanka Hosts 7th Annual Airman-to-Airman Talks with U.S. Pacific Air Forces

  • Published
  • By SMSgt Robert Webb
  • Pacific Air Forces Public Affairs

U.S. Pacific Air Forces and the Sri Lanka Air Force concluded their 7th annual Airman-to-Airman Talks on Sept. 12, 2024, at the Sri Lanka Defense Headquarters in Colombo. The three-day talks were co-chaired by Air Vice Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, SLAF's Director General of Planning, and Brig Gen Brian S. Laidlaw, PACAF's Director of Strategy, Plans, Programs, and Requirements, from Sept. 10-12.

The talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties by jointly identifying and developing tangible operations and activities to improve collective capabilities. Key focus areas included humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, air and maritime domain awareness, force development, and logistics. The SLAF and PACAF delegations jointly reviewed the operations and activities executed in the last few years, identified several actionable initiatives for the next fiscal year, and laid out a three-year engagement plan that aligns SLAF and PACAF visions.

“This continued dialogue between our air forces is critical for ensuring regional stability,” said Brig. Gen. Laidlaw. “These talks are an invaluable platform for listening to each other's needs and visions, and for identifying tangible steps we can take together. By building strong relationships, we not only enhance our military capabilities but also contribute to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

Throughout the talks, SLAF and PACAF officials discussed upcoming initiatives including future iterations of joint operations like the Pacific Angel humanitarian assistance exercise and disaster risk reduction programs. Both parties expressed interest in expanding collaborative training, particularly in areas such as mobility aircraft operations and maintenance, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, as well as maritime patrols.