IAI Completes $50M Kfir C12 Upgrade for Sri Lanka Air Force

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) have completed a $50 million modernization program for five Kfir fighter aircraft, culminating in a successful test flight at SLAF Base Katunayake on June 11, 2026.

The upgrade brings the aging fleet to the Kfir C12 standard, integrating advanced avionics and a modern glass cockpit to extend the operational life of a platform originally developed 50 years ago. IAI officially announced the program’s completion in a press release on June 14, 2026.

Fleet overhaul and technical upgrades

Signed in June 2021, the $50 million agreement covered the comprehensive overhaul of four Kfir C2 and C7 variants, along with one TC2 trainer aircraft. The SLAF’s No. 10 Fighter Squadron, known as the “Lion Cubs,” has operated the Kfir since 1996. The fleet saw heavy utilization during the Sri Lankan civil war, which concluded in 2009. This extensive operational history led to a requirement for structural refurbishments and system replacements to address obsolete components.

Executed jointly by IAI and SLAF technical personnel, the modernization replaces legacy systems with a new mission computer, an updated autopilot, and advanced navigation and communication suites. The transition to the Kfir C12 standard also enhances the aircraft’s precision weapon deployment capabilities, transforming the legacy jets into more capable multirole combat platforms.

Extending the lifecycle of legacy platforms

The successful test flight on June 11, 2026, marked the operational return of the upgraded fighters. IAI executives highlighted the engineering achievement of keeping a half-century-old design relevant in modern combat environments.

“The Kfir represents a significant chapter in Israel’s aerospace industry and reflects the technological and engineering capabilities that have characterized IAI for decades,” said Boaz Levy, Chairman of IAI. “The successful modernization of the Sri Lanka Air Force fleet demonstrates how advanced technologies can be integrated into proven platforms to address evolving operational requirements and modern battlefield challenges.”

“Seeing the Kfir continue to fly operationally for more than 50 years after its development is a testament to engineering excellence and to IAI’s long-standing ability to modernize and extend the life of advanced combat aircraft,” added Moshe Levy, CEO of IAI.

AirPro News analysis

We view the SLAF Kfir modernization as a prime example of cost-effective fleet management for nations operating legacy combat aircraft. By investing $50 million to upgrade five existing airframes, Sri Lanka avoids the prohibitive capital expenditure required to procure new multirole fighters. This program also reinforces IAI’s position in the global military MRO market, demonstrating the company’s capability to integrate modern avionics into older airframes. As defense budgets tighten globally, we expect to see continued demand for similar life-extension programs that maximize the utility of proven platforms.

Sources: Israel Aerospace Industries