IAI to upgrade Sri Lankan Kfirs
Sri Lankan Kfir fighter aircraft will receive a much-needed avionics upgrade. (Photo: SLAF)
A $50 million contract from Sri Lankan MoD will see IAI overhaul the avionics on Kfir fighter aircraft.
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) confirmed on 30 June that it is under contract from the Sri Lankan MoD to upgrade Kfir fighter aircraft for the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).
The $50 million deal includes the installation of advanced avionics ‘in order to one day integrate advanced radar, sensors, communication systems, and new helmets’, IAI announced in a statement.
It added that the upgrade process ‘will also include transfer of knowledge and skills for refurbishment to Sri Lankan Air Force personnel’.
IAI did not disclose how many Kfirs will be upgraded or when the work will be completed, but SLAF commander AM Sudarshana said in early 2021 that five fighters would be overhauled.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, Sri Lanka purchased six Kfir fighters in 1995-1996 and nine more were added by 2005. However, a number were lost during the Sri Lankan civil war (which ended in 2009), leaving just one aircraft in flying condition.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
