Bengaluru: In a move that will further establish friendly ties with India and Sri Lanka, the former will send 23 aircraft to the island nation as it celebrates its Air Force Day.

India has also extended the privilege of ‘Priority One Partner’ to Sri Lanka.   

Sri Lanka is celebrating its 70th Air Force Day. 

"As a gesture of solidarity, and in keeping with years of close interaction and camaraderie between the two countries and their militaries, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy will participate in the event with an Aerobatic Display by Sarang (Advance Light Helicopter), Surya Kiran (Hawks), Tejas Fighter Aircraft, Tejas Trainer and the Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft," it said.

"The deployment of such wide variety and huge inventory of aircrafts and helicopters of IAF and Indian Navy is testimony to the strong bonds of friendship and close interoperability shared between the corresponding forces of India and Sri Lanka services," the Indian mission said, as quoted by Economic Times. 

The move to send 23 aircraft also gives an opportunity for India to showcase its Atmanirbhar Bharat prowess. It also showcases India’s technical prowess. 

Tejas Trainer will be on display. 

SLAF has planned to commemorate the event by holding a Fly Past and an Aerobatic Display which will be organised in the nation for the first time on a grand scale.

Apart from these, other Indian aircraft to partake in these events will include Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Sarang which will perform an aerobatic display, Surya Kiran planes, Tejas fighter jet, and Dornier maritime patrol aircraft, Swarajya added.