Sri Lanka, Aug. 11 -- While many countries continue to enhance their maritime and aerial capabilities, Sri Lanka is gradually losing ground in these critical areas.

The country increasingly relies on its existing ageing fleet, without giving adequate attention to strengthening the air capabilities of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

As several aircraft in the SLAF fleet have suffered tragic crashes in recent years, others have been decommissioned due to technical issues or having reached the end of their flying hours.

Meanwhile, plans to acquire new aircraft have been repeatedly delayed, primarily due to financial constraints.

In a recent development, the SLAF decommissioned the Dornier 228 Maritime Reconnaissance Aircraft, which had b...