Guyana Inks Deal to Purchase Indian-Made Dornier Aircraft

The Indian defence industry is expanding its reach to the Caribbean region. The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) plans to purchase two aircraft from India with a loan of $23.27 million from the Export-Import Bank of India.

Aircraft Deal

• Guyana will acquire two Dornier 228 aircraft made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India.
• An agreement was signed between the Guyanese Finance Minister and the Deputy GM of EXIM Bank on Friday.

Features of Dornier 228

• The HAL Dornier 228 aircraft are ideal for Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL), suitable for Guyana’s terrain.
• These planes will be used by Guyana for:
  • Maritime patrols
  • Resupplying military bases
  • Troop movement to interior locations

First Defence Deal with Caribbean Nation

• This is the first-ever defence loan that India has provided to any Caribbean country.
• Guyana, which has a large Indian diaspora, also plans to purchase patrol vehicles, radars, and armoured vehicles from India.

Strengthening Guyana’s Defence Capabilities

The Guyanese Finance Ministry stated that this agreement is part of the government’s efforts to enhance the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force. It follows the visit of Guyanese President Ali to the Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company HAL in January 2023.