As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his visit to Guyana – his final stop before concluding a three-country tour from Brazil – Guyana’s strategic partnership with India takes another significant step forward. Following the visit, two Dornier HAL-228 aircraft were officially commissioned into the air force of the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) during a ceremony held at the London Air Force Base, Timehri.

The two aircraft, delivered earlier this year under a $23.37 million Defense Line of Credit (LoC) from the Government of India, mark a significant milestone in the modernization of Guyana’s military infrastructure. The Dornier aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), aim to strengthen Guyana’s maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, enabling the country to more effectively monitor its borders and respond to national emergencies.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Retd) Mark Phillips, speaking at the commissioning ceremony, highlighted the importance of these additions to the GDF fleet as part of a wider defense modernization vision . “This commissioning is not done in isolation. This is part of a broader vision by the Government of Guyana to transform our defense force into a modern, multi-purpose institution, capable of meeting an evolving range of challenges,” Phillips said.

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As reported by Financial Express Online, the decision to acquire these aircraft stems from the government’s desire to modernize its defense systems and strengthen 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 remote and difficult areas of Guyana.

“This modernization of our GDF is a strategic necessity and a national imperative. With an expanded air fleet, the GDF is better positioned to meet these challenges,” said Prime Minister Phillips of Guyana. He also stressed that a modern and capable defense force is an integral part of both national security and development, as it plays a vital role in safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation and supporting economic objectives. and broader social issues.

The delivery of the aircraft is part of growing defense cooperation between Guyana and India. This is the first-ever defense line of credit extended to a Caribbean country, highlighting India’s growing 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 result of the dialogue and shared vision” between the two nations.

The ceremony was attended by several eminent personalities, including the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, Dr. Amit Telang, and leaders of GDF, as well as other key officials. The leader of the Caribbean country thanked India for its continued support, stressing that the commissioning of the aircraft is a concrete demonstration of India’s commitment to helping Guyana strengthen its defense capabilities.

The commissioning of the Dornier aircraft paves the way for further collaboration between the two countries, with a focus on expanding defense ties and ensuring a more secure future for both countries.