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NAVSTRAT-2030 NAVSTRAT-2030

Fleet Composition Volunteer Naval Force (VNF)
In order to accomplish our mission and perform the roles vested on the basis of concept of
operation the desirable ORBAT for 2030 are as follows; The Volunteer Naval Force (VNF) serves as the principal supplementary arm of the SLN,
maintaining a state of naval readiness to offer essential assistance during periods of national
Table 11.3 urgency and distress. The core mission of the VNF is to augment and provide necessary support
SLN Fleet Composition 2024-2040 in the execution of the SLN’s roles and tasks, leveraging expertise from diverse fields. The VNF
is entrusted with various naval responsibilities, complementing the regular naval force, and
Assets 20 Ships Actual 2024- 2026- 2031- 2036- Total actively recruits professionals and skilled personnel, particularly in technical, technological,
Fleet in 2023 2025 2030 2035 2040 medical, and administrative domains from external sources. The implementation of a volunteer
Frigates 2 0 1 1 2 scheme becomes imperative when challenges arise for the regular force in meeting the requisite
(ASW/AA) professional standards for fulfilling naval responsibilities. The VNF, therefore, stands ready to
OPV 9 8 1 1 2 (-1) 4 15 contribute its expertise and manpower, ensuring the seamless execution of naval duties in the face
FMV 4 2 4 2 8 of evolving challenges.
FGB/CPV 15 11 1 2 4 4 22
FPC 4 2 1 3 International Collaboration for Force Optimization
Multi-Purpose 1 1 The international collaboration for force optimization of SLN was greatly impacted upon the
Vessel success of humanitarian operations. The formulation of FAC squadron with the initial assistance
Oceangoing Tug 1 1 of the USA, Israel and the Republic of Korea paved the path for our success story. Then fire control
FAC 57 49 - 4 4 4 53 systems, night capabilities, high-speed engines, auxiliary machinery and technical packages with
P Aux 1 1 1 3 the assistance of Germany, India, Israel, Pakistan, UK, USA and many other countries optimized
Hydrographic 1 1 SLN for beating LTTE sea tigers. Subsequently, international support was instrumental in
Survey Vessel augmenting the capabilities of SLN to deal with non-traditional threats such as human trafficking
LST 1 1 1 3 and the transfer of drugs. The assistance provided by the Australian Boarder Force greatly
LCM 8 2 1 1 4 contributed to effectively deal with human trafficking and ships for surveillance from USA under
LCU 2 1 1 4 Foreign Military Fund (FMF). Thus, international collaboration is a decisive factor for SLN force
LCAC (S) 1 1 2 optimization. The optimization of capabilities through enhanced interoperability and
IPC 73 63 6 (-2) 6 (-5) 6 (-5) 10 (-5) 74 interdependency is the way forward for harnessing synergy out at sea. No matter how capable a
platform is, it can operate within a limited time and space. Therefore, collaboration with partners
in the maritime domain remains a viable option. SLN has the advantage of a geographical location
Table 11.4 situated amid the Indian Ocean surrounded by stronger navies. The futuristic international

SLCG Fleet Composition 2024-2040 collaboration is imperative for force optimization. The right optimization options for the
enhancement of weapon and sensor capabilities will meet the future demand of maritime
Assets Actual in 2024-2025 2026- 2031- 2036- Total landscape.
2023 2030 2035 2040
PCV 1 1 2
OPV 2 2 Collaboration with International Partners to Leverage Shared Capabilities and Expertise
MRRV 1 1 2 Shared capabilities and expertise through international partners were key to the success of the SLN
FPV 2 2 developments during humanitarian efforts and for facing aftermath challenges. However, the same
Oceanographic 1 1 efforts be continued only if SLN navigate with an understanding of the complementary interests
Research Ship of different stakeholders. The friendly nations should be incorporated with SLN efforts towards
FPB 10 4 14 maintaining good order at sea. Thus, make sure a meaningful fair share of partner nations as
Boom Laying Boat 4 4 compensation of their efforts.
IPC 10 10 The strategic interests of regional and extra-regional stakeholders are intermingled and contested
within IOR. The competition for reserving strategic space for futuristic objectives remain real
challenge for small countries like Sri Lanka. The maritime research vessels belong to numerous
powerful countries are seeking potential space within Sri Lankan waters. Therefore, the future
force structuring of SLN to be worked out with a great concern of this strategic issue. Unless Sri
Lanka acquire maritime research capability to deal with scientific affairs within our waters,
escalation of existing challenges and concerns of neighbouring countries would not be eliminated.
The attempt to address this strategic issue needs collaboration with capable and friendly countries
support to share assets and technical know-how with Sri Lanka.

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