World · Sri Lanka Bureau
Sri Lanka, US launch Atlas Angel II military cooperation exercise
Sri Lanka and the United States have initiated a new military training exercise, formalizing cooperation between local defence forces and American military units including the Montana National Guard and US Coast Guard.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Atlas Angel II exercise marks an expansion of defence and security cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States. The November 2025 memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for coordinated operations and training activities involving multiple branches of the American military.
The agreement brings together the Montana National Guard, a component of the US Army Reserve, with the US Coast Guard District 13, which oversees operations across a vast Pacific region. The involvement of these specialized units indicates a focus on maritime security and disaster response capabilities relevant to the Indian Ocean region.
Defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and the United States has deepened in recent years, reflecting shared interests in regional stability and maritime security. The Atlas Angel II initiative builds on existing defence relationships and aims to enhance operational readiness and interoperability between the armed forces of both nations.
The exercise is expected to involve training activities and joint operations planning that will benefit personnel from both countries. Such initiatives typically focus on areas including maritime patrol, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations, and counter-terrorism capabilities.
Details regarding the exercise timeline, participating personnel, and specific operational areas are expected to be released through official defence ministry channels in both countries.