A recent clash between the LTTE and the SLN resulted in the destruction of at least 10 Tamil Tigers boats with the loss of at least 25 enemy lives.
The confrontation is significant since it was only recently that the SLN launched its 100th indegenously developed "Arrow" high speed interceptor craft, which appears to be powered by two 250hp outboard motors and armed with a variety of small caliber arms. The boat demonstrates very high speeds and manueverability. The navy claims it to be superior to anything the Tigers currently possess. These boats, backed by heavily armed FACs have taken part in the offensive against the Sea-Tiger flotilla. The type of 'swarm' attack the SLN now is capable of, is without a doubt beyond the LTTE's capacity to defend against.
The SLN's operations in the seas have already resulted in the decimation of LTTE's arms smuggling activities and their much boasted about 'navy'. The vastly declined numbers of confrontations with the SLN (only 7 so far this year) bears testimony to the fast degradation of the Sea-Tigers as a fighting force, irrespective of comments to the contrary made by populist media opposed to the present government's anti-terrorist initiatives.
In the meanwhile there is also a rumor that SLN is to take delivery of two serbian built war-ships, to enhance her blue water capabilities. Similar rumors have surfaced from time to time, yet have been without any outcome.
