Sri Lanka Flies First Upgraded Kfir C12 Fighter

The first upgraded Kfir C12 fighter jet of the Sri Lanka Air Force has entered flight testing following the completion of systems integration and ground testing.

Sri Lanka and Colombia remain the platform’s last operators, Zona Militar reported.

The aircraft, bearing tail number SFM1018, conducted its maiden post-upgrade flight on June 11 from Katunayake Air Base after successfully completing all planned ground tests.

The program covers the upgrade of four Kfir C2/C7 fighter jets and one Kfir TC2 two-seat trainer to the Kfir C12 standard in cooperation with Israel Aerospace Industries.

The upgrade includes a digital cockpit with liquid-crystal displays, new sensors, a multi-mode radar, modern navigation and communications systems, network-centric capabilities, and the integration of precision-guided weapons.

The project also includes structural refurbishment of the airframes and measures to strengthen the Sri Lanka Air Force’s maintenance capabilities, extending the aircraft’s operational service life.

The Kfir fighter jets, known in Sri Lanka as the Lion Cub, have served with the 10th Fighter Squadron at Katunayake since entering service in 1996.