As Prime Minister Narendra Modi gears up for his visit to Guyana—his final stop before concluding a three-nation tour from Brazil—Guyana’s strategic partnership with India takes another significant leap forward. On the heels of this visit, two Dornier HAL-228 aircraft were officially commissioned into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps at a ceremony held at Air Station London, Timehri.
The two aircraft, delivered earlier this year as part of a $23.37 million Defence Line of Credit (LoC) from the Indian government, mark a significant step in the modernization of Guyana’s military infrastructure. The Dornier aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are designed to strengthen Guyana’s maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, allowing the country to more effectively monitor its borders and respond to national emergencies.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Retd.) Mark Phillips, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, emphasized the importance of these additions to the GDF fleet within a broader vision of defence modernization. “This commissioning isn’t happening in isolation. It’s part of a larger vision by the Government of Guyana to transform our Defence Force into a modern, versatile institution capable of addressing an evolving range of challenges,” said Phillips.
As reported previously by Financial Express Online, the decision to acquire these aircraft stems from the government’s desire to modernize its defence systems and enhance national security. The Dornier-228 aircraft are expected to play a crucial role in key areas, including border security, disaster response, and medical evacuations, particularly in Guyana’s remote and challenging terrain.
“This modernization 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,” PM Phillips of Guyana stated. He also highlighted that a modern, capable defence force is integral to both national security and development, as it plays a vital role in safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and supporting broader economic and social goals.
The aircraft delivery is part of a growing defence cooperation between Guyana and India. This marks the first-ever Defence Line of Credit extended to a Caribbean nation, underscoring India’s increasing role as a key partner in the region’s security landscape.
As Prime Minister Phillips noted, the commissioning of the Dornier aircraft is a “tangible outcome of the dialogue and shared vision” between the two nations.
The ceremony was attended by several prominent figures, including the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr Amit Telang, and GDF leadership, as well as other key officials. The leader of the Caribbean nation thanked India for its continued support, emphasizing that the commissioning of the aircraft is a concrete demonstration of India’s commitment to assisting Guyana in enhancing its defence capabilities.
The commissioning of the Dornier aircraft sets the stage for further collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on expanding defence ties and ensuring a safer and more secure future for both nations.