India and Sri Lanka signed three defence Memoranda of Understanding in Colombo on 9 September 2026 during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. The agreements covered the upgrade of six 40mm L70 air defence guns, cooperation between the National Cadet Corps of both countries, and academic exchange between the National Defence Colleges of India and Sri Lanka.
L70 Air Defence Guns
The L70 is a 40mm anti-aircraft gun system used for short-range air defence. Sri Lanka received six L70 guns from India between 2000 and 2006, and their modernisation will be funded by a grant from the Government of India. The upgrade is linked to the protection of critical local assets in Sri Lanka.
India-Sri Lanka Defence Cooperation
Defence cooperation between India and Sri Lanka includes training, equipment support, and institutional exchanges. The National Cadet Corps MoU formalises youth exchange and cadet-level cooperation, while the National Defence Colleges pact covers professional military academic collaboration. Such agreements fall within bilateral defence diplomacy in the Indian Ocean region.
Bailey Bridges and Maritime Security
During the same engagement, three Bailey Bridges built by the Indian Defence Forces in Sri Lanka were inaugurated virtually. A Bailey Bridge is a prefabricated modular bridge used for rapid construction in military and disaster-relief settings. India also proposed an integrated real-time maritime surveillance grid for a common operating shipping picture and for monitoring trafficking and security threats.
Important Facts for Exams
- The L70 gun is a 40mm air defence gun originally designed for anti-aircraft use.
- The National Cadet Corps is a youth organisation in India that provides basic military training to school and college students.
- The National Defence College is a senior-level military training institution in India and Sri Lanka.
- Bailey Bridges are portable, prefabricated bridges used by armed forces and civil authorities.
Indian Ocean Security
Sri Lanka lies on major sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and has strategic relevance for maritime security. India and Sri Lanka have a long record of defence, training, and infrastructure cooperation in the region.
