The Special Airborne Force (SABF),also known as Special Airborne Wing, is the first elite special force in Sri Lanka Air Force and forms part of the SLAF Regiment. It provides air assault capabilities and VVIP protection.
| Special Airborne Force (SABF) | |
|---|---|
 SABF insignia | |
| Active | 1989 |
| Country |  Sri Lanka |
| Branch |  Sri Lanka Air Force |
| Type | Special Airborne forces |
| Role | Special Operations, VIP Protection, Anti-Hijack and Hostage Rescue operations, Urban warfare, Urban combat rider duties |
| Part of | Directorate Of Ground Operations, Sri Lanka Air Force |
| Garrison/HQ | SLAF Headquarters |
| Nickname(s) | SABF |
| Anniversaries | July 7 |
| Engagements | 1987–1989 JVP insurrection Sri Lankan Civil War |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander | Wing Commander Sumedha Ritigala |
History
editFormed out of the Administrative Regiment Branch in 1989 by Air Vice Marshal Oliver Ranasinghe, it initially under took counter insurgency operations during the 1987–1989 JVP insurrection. In the Sri Lankan Civil War it provided VIP protection under the Chief Provost Marshal, until it was transferred to the Directorate of Ground Operations.[1]
Role
editThe Special Air Borne Force performs the following roles:[2][1]
- V.V.I.P and V.I.P Protection operations
- Counter Assault operations
- Counter terrorism operations
- Counter insurgency operations
- Counter penetration operations
- Military operations in urban terrain
- Special missions in rescue operations
- Special covert operations
- Sky marshal operations in domestic and international commercial flights
Training
editSABF personnel are specialised in VIP Protection, bomb disposal, firefighting, water survival, anti-hijack and rescue operations. Advanced training is carried out at the Sri Lanka Army Special Force training school at Maduruoya and SLAF Katunayake.[1][3]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Paratroopers and Special Air Borne Force Personnel Pass Out at SLAF Base Katunayake | Sri Lanka Air Force". airforce.lk. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
- ^ "No 12 and 13 Regimental Special Force Basic Courses Pass Out at Morawewa | Sri Lanka Air Force". www.airforce.lk. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
- ^ "Women graduate in Special Airborne Force". Daily News. Retrieved 2020-07-04.