Israel Military Aircraft Procurement Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs) Defense Industry & Major Contractors Asia-Pacific (APAC)

IAI completes $50M Kfir C12 modernization for Sri Lanka Air Force, with first post-upgrade flight

Israel Aerospace Industries has completed the 2021-launched modernization of Sri Lanka Air Force’s existing Kfir fighter fleet, marked by the first flight of an upgraded Kfir C12. IAI says the program improves operational life and readiness, under a roughly US$50 million contract signed in 2021.

Discovered 2026-06-11T04:56:40.396284-07:00 | 2026-06-11T04:56:40.396284-07:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

Sri Lanka’s first post-modernization flight for the upgraded Kfir C12 confirms delivery of a key lifecycle-extension program—improving type operational life and readiness for the SLAF’s legacy fast-jet capability.
The event spotlights IAI’s role as a systems integrator for combat-aircraft sustainment, following the 2021 US$50 million modernization contract.
It adds to the broader picture of Israel-backed air-power modernization and fighter sustainment discussed in Israel’s approved additional fighter procurement and Israel declaring its first F-35 squadron operational.

Reported By

Aviation Week defence-network.com edrmagazine.eu Air Data News FlightGlobal Aviacionline