Sri Lanka Military Forces 🇱🇰

Sri Lanka's military is shaped by its island geography and the legacy of a long civil war. Its primary strategic focus is maritime security in the Indian Ocean and internal security. With no immediate external state threats, the armed forces are transitioning from a large, counter-insurgency focused force to a smaller, more professional military. Sri Lanka maintains a neutral foreign policy but has growing defense relationships with India, China, and the United States, which are its main sources of military hardware and training.

Military Forces

The Sri Lankan Armed Forces consist of the Sri Lanka Army, the Sri Lanka Navy, and the Sri Lanka Air Force. Following the end of the civil war, the military has been undergoing a "right-sizing" process. The government has announced plans to reduce the army to 100,000 personnel, the navy to 40,000, and the air force to 18,000. The 2025 defense budget is increasing from the previous year, with a focus on modernization.

The Sri Lanka Army is the largest branch, with approximately 150,000 personnel in 2024. It is composed of numerous infantry regiments, along with support from armored, mechanized infantry, artillery, and special forces units. Its main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers are primarily of Chinese and Russian origin.

The Sri Lanka Navy is critical for the nation's security and operates a fleet of offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), fast attack craft, and patrol boats. The navy's flagship vessels are former US Coast Guard cutters and a Chinese-made frigate, which now serve as advanced OPVs. It also operates locally built patrol craft.

The Sri Lanka Air Force operates a mix of aircraft, though many are aging. Its fleet has included Chinese-made F-7 interceptors, and transport aircraft. The air force's capabilities are being re-evaluated as part of the military's modernization drive.

Strategic Trends

The foremost trend is the planned reduction in military personnel, shifting from a large, ground-force-centric military to a more balanced and technologically advanced force. There is a clear emphasis on enhancing the navy's and air force's capabilities to counter maritime threats such as illegal fishing, drug trafficking, and potential piracy in its strategic sea lanes.

Modernization is a key priority, with the increased 2025 budget intended to fund the acquisition of new equipment. This includes plans to procure new aircraft and naval craft to replace outdated platforms. The Sri Lankan military will continue to rely on foreign suppliers, with China, India, and the US being significant partners. US programs have provided training and equipment, particularly to the navy.