Special Airborne Force

The Special Airborne Force (SABF) also known as Special Airborne Wing is an elite Airborne force unit of the Sri Lanka Air Force and forms part of the SLAF Regiment. It provides air assault capabilities and VVIP protection. Formed 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]

Special Airborne Force
SLBF at 70th Independence day celebrations
Active1989
Country Sri Lanka
Branch Sri Lanka Air Force
TypeSpecial Airborne forces
RoleSpecial Operations, VIP Protection, Anti-Hijack
Part ofDirectorate Of Ground Operations, Sri Lanka Air Force
Garrison/HQSLAF Headquarters
Nickname(s)SABF
AnniversariesJuly 7
Engagements1987–1989 JVP insurrection
Sri Lankan Civil War
Commanders
Current
commander		Wing Commander H. M. C. Herath

Role

The 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

SABF 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
  1. "Paratroopers and Special Air Borne Force Personnel Pass Out at SLAF Base Katunayake | Sri Lanka Air Force". airforce.lk. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  2. "No 12 and 13 Regimental Special Force Basic Courses Pass Out at Morawewa | Sri Lanka Air Force". www.airforce.lk. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
  3. "Women graduate in Special Airborne Force". Daily News. Retrieved 2020-07-04.
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