U.S. Delivers $4 Million Maritime Communications System to Sri Lanka

Washington — The United States has delivered a $4 million satellite communications system to the Sri Lanka Navy, strengthening the country’s ability to monitor maritime activity and protect major shipping routes across the Indian Ocean.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur announced the delivery at the Port of Colombo during a visit aboard the SLNS Gajabahu.

The Fleet Broadband system, manufactured by Cobham and Inmarsat, will be installed on Sri Lanka’s offshore patrol vessels. The technology will provide secure ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore communications, enabling naval vessels to remain connected while operating far from the country’s coastline.

The system is valued at more than 1.2 billion Sri Lankan rupees.

Officials from the two countries discussed how advanced communications technology could support maritime security, disaster response and efforts to counter illicit activity in the Indian Ocean.

“Today we announced the delivery of US satellite communications technology to the Sri Lanka Navy, our Indo-Pacific partner,” Kapur said.

“This secure, real-time connection — representing a transformational upgrade for the Sri Lanka Navy — will be available aboard their entire fleet of offshore patrol vessels and ensures no communication gap at sea. It will allow our Sri Lanka partners to respond quickly to emergencies, protect the cargo ships that fuel our economy, and disrupt illegal activity across the Indian Ocean before it reaches our shores.”

The U.S. State Department said the system would allow Sri Lankan vessels to maintain real-time communications with naval headquarters, aircraft and other ships operating across the Indian Ocean.

The technology is expected to improve maritime awareness and operational coordination while supporting efforts to intercept vessels involved in illegal trafficking. It could also help authorities track sanctioned ships and protect commercial supply chains.

Sri Lanka’s deputy defense minister, retired Maj. Gen. Aruna Jayasekara, said the system would strengthen maritime security and defense cooperation between Colombo and Washington.

Jayasekara said the technology would help the Sri Lanka Navy maintain reliable communications across its fleet, improve real-time situational awareness and share critical information with regional partners.

The United States said the system would also allow Sri Lankan naval vessels to work more effectively with partner countries during joint exercises and maritime security operations. (Source: IANS)