Integrating air assets for augmenting surveillance capabilities of the Sri Lanka coast guard

Abstract

Law enforcement at sea is of prime importance for an Island nation. At present Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) satisfies its aerial demands through Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) under various limitations causing a gap between the demand and supply of aerial surveillance requirements. Hence this exploratory qualitative study has followed a deductive approach, interpretivism philosophy, and grounded theory strategy to realize the objectives of determining the present status of the SLCG surveillance mechanism, determining how the air assets could be effectively integrated into the SLCG surveillance mechanism, and to study the impact of integrating air assets into the SLCG surveillance mechanism. A Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis resulted in strengths as already enacted act, experienced crew, and intention of authorities to integrate air assets into SLCG. Weaknesses were found to be a lack of naval assets, manpower, and the absence of air assets. Opportunities are the possible training opportunities, collaboration with the Sri Lanka Navy and SLAF, obtaining air assets through mutual cooperation, and leeway of integrating into a common maritime policy. Changing dynamics of nontraditional security threats, and geo-political implications due to inadequate presence and inadequate budget were identified as threats in SWOT analysis. Based on the outcome of the SWOT analysis, researchers came up with five recommendations such as formulating a framework for integrating air assets into SLCG, formulating a doctrine and Standard Operating Procedure for maritime-air operations of SLCG, developing a dialogue with SLAF for mutual cooperation and secondment of air and ground crew required for SLCG air operations, pursue diplomatic means for obtaining air assets and related training and finally conducting joint and multinational training and operations with local and international stakeholders. Therefore, strengthening SLCG capabilities and capacities by integrating air assets through a feasible framework in meeting its future operational demand is essential.