Prime Minister Mark Phillips on Sunday underscored the strategic vision of the Government during the commissioning ceremony for two Dornier HAL-228-201 which were purchased from India for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).
The commissioning occurred at Air Station London, Timehri, a release from the Office of the Prime Minister said. The planes were procured from India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
“This commissioning isn’t happening in isolation. It’s part of a larger vision by the Govern-ment of Guyana to transform our Defence Force into a modern, versatile institution capable of addressing an evolving range of challenges”, Phillips, a former GDF Chief of Staff, said.
He noted that over the past years, this vision has taken shape through several key initiatives, including the acquisition of advanced rotary-wing aircraft, the Enhanced Domain Awareness Exercise with US Southcom, and the upcoming construction of a new GDF headquarters.
According to the Prime Minister, the Dornier HAL-228 aircraft bring advanced capabilities to the GDF, enhancing Guyana’s ability to address pressing challenges such as border security, disaster response, and medical evacuations in remote regions.
“The modernisation of our GDF is a strategic necessity and a national imperative. With an expanded air fleet, the GDF is better positioned to address these challenges. This investment in our military infrastructure ensures that we are prepared to safeguard our sovereignty and the safety and well-being of every citizen. Moreover, a strong defence force is a vital partner in national development”, he said.
The commissioning also underscores the growing strategic partnership between Guyana and India. Phillips stated: “This moment is significant as it coincides with a major strategic milestone in the partnership between Guyana and India. These aircraft, and the broader framework of cooperation they represent, stand as a tangible outcome of the dialogue and shared vision…”
The Prime Minister also thanked the Government of India for its continued support to Guyana. He said, “Your support has been instrumental in strengthening our GDF and, by extension, our nation. We look forward to building on this partnership and exploring new avenues for collaboration in the future.”
The planes have a seating capacity of 19 and an average cargo capacity of 3000 lbs. They are geared at significantly enhancing lift capacity and reliability in moving personnel and cargo.
The aircraft (at a total cost for both of US$23.37 million) will also enhance geographic reach and has a short takeoff and landing capability (STOL).
STOL allows for access to most hinterland airstrips. Reinforcement of areas such as Eteringbang in Region Seven is seen as vital.
Nothing has been said yet about pilot training for the aircraft.
Stabroek News on March 16th of this year reported that the two planes acquired for the GDF will be under an India EXIM Bank credit as the government here moves to enhance the country’s defence capability.
According to a release from the Ministry of Finance, Minister Dr Ashni Singh on March 15, on behalf of the Government of Guyana, signed a Line of Credit (LOC) Agreement of US$23.27 million, with the Export-Import Bank of India (EXIM Bank), for the procurement of the two aircraft. Signing on behalf of the Indian EXIM Bank was its Deputy General Manager – Line of Credit Group, Sanjay Lamba.
