The China National Aero-Technology Import-Export Corporation (CATIC) - a division of the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) - is planning to establish a military maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Sri Lanka.

The development was highlighted in the Sri Lankan parliament on 22 July. According to a transcript of parliamentary comments, the MRO facility will cost around USD40 million with funds loaned from China. The facility will be geared towards supporting Chinese aircraft in operation by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF).

In parliamentary comments, Sri Lanka's Minister of External Affairs G L Peiris also indicated that in addition to developing the facility CATIC will transfer technologies to SLAF engineers enabling Sri Lanka to achieve a degree of self-reliance in related MRO activities.

(Jane's 360)