As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his visit to Guyana, the final destination of his three-nation tour that began in Brazil, India’s growing strategic partnership with Guyana reaches a new milestone. In a ceremony at Air Station London, Timehri, two Dornier HAL-228 aircraft were officially inducted into the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps, marking another significant development in the bilateral relationship.

The two Dornier aircraft, delivered earlier this year as part of a $23.37 million Defence Line of Credit (LoC) from India, represent a key advancement in the modernisation of Guyana’s military infrastructure. Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), these aircraft are specifically designed to enhance Guyana’s maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, enabling the country to better monitor its borders and respond swiftly to national emergencies. 

Speaking at the commissioning event, Prime Minister Brigadier (Retd.) Mark Phillips underlined the significance of these GDF fleet additions in the context of a larger defence modernisation agenda.“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. The government's aim to improve national security and upgrade its defence systems is the driving force behind the decision to purchase these aircraft, as previously reported by Financial Express Online. Particularly in Guyana's isolated and difficult terrain, the Dornier-228 aircraft are anticipated to be essential in critical sectors such as border security, disaster response, and medical evacuations.

“This 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,” PM Phillips of Guyana stated. He also emphasised how important a strong, contemporary defence force is to national security and development since it protects the country's sovereignty and advances larger social and economic objectives. The delivery of the aircraft is a significant step in the expanding defence partnership between Guyana and India. This represents the first-ever Defense Line of Credit provided to a Caribbean country, highlighting India’s growing influence as a crucial partner in the region’s security affairs.

According to Prime Minister Phillips, the two countries' "tangible outcome of the dialogue and shared vision" is the commissioning of the Dornier aircraft. Several notable people attended the occasion, including GDF leadership, Dr. Amit Telang, the High Commissioner of India to Guyana, and other important officials. The Caribbean country's leader expressed gratitude to India for its ongoing assistance, highlighting that the aircraft's commissioning is a tangible example of India's dedication to helping Guyana improve its defence capabilities. The induction of the Dornier aircraft marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the two countries, emphasising the growth of defence relations and the pursuit of a safer, more secure future for both nations.