Two new helicopters commissioned to boost defence, disaster response capabilities

One of the helicopters commissioned

Two new helicopters were commissioned into service with the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Saturday, boosting the military’s capacity for security operations, disaster response and medical evacuations as part of an ongoing modernisation drive.
The Bell 407 and Bell 429 aircraft were commissioned at the GDF Hangar at Ogle, expanding aerial surveillance, border patrol, search and rescue, and logistical support capabilities, particularly in remote hinterland and riverain areas.
Delivering remarks on behalf of President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said the acquisitions represent a deliberate investment in strengthening the Defence Force in keeping with the responsibilities of a sovereign state.
“With sovereignty comes responsibility,” Phillips said. “The most solemn of these responsibilities is the obligation to safeguard our national sovereignty and preserve, protect and defend our territorial integrity. That duty must be supported by sustained investment in our Defence Force.”
The Bell 429 helicopter, acquired for US$10.1 million, can carry two crew members and six passengers, has a payload capacity of 2,700 pounds and a maximum cruise speed of 150 knots. It is designed for multi-role operations including surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuation and rapid response missions.
The Bell 407 helicopter, purchased for US$5.9 million, has seating for one crew member and six passengers, a payload capacity of 2,300 pounds and a maximum speed of 133 knots. The aircraft will be used for patrols, logistical support and operations in difficult and remote terrain.
Phillips said the helicopters would significantly improve the GDF’s operational reach, responsiveness and flexibility, supporting border security, aerial surveillance, disaster response, medical evacuations and community support.
Government budgetary allocations to the Defence Force have increased more than three-and-a-half times over the past five years, rising from $13.9 billion in 2019 to $50.4 billion in 2025. Capital spending has expanded to enable the acquisition of modern aircraft, vessels, vehicles and advanced technology.
“Capital investment is where modernisation lives,” Phillips said. “It is through these investments that we fundamentally expand what the Defence Force is capable of doing.”
He said the modernisation effort also includes advanced surveillance systems, drone technology and updated training, embedding new capabilities across the force rather than limiting them to equipment alone.
Reaffirming the country’s foreign policy posture, Phillips said it remains committed to peace, cooperation and respect for international law while maintaining the ability to defend its territory.
“Peacefulness is not passivity, and restraint is not weakness,” he said. “If the need arises, Guyana will defend its territory.”
Phillips also expressed gratitude to the government of the United States, the U.S. ambassador and technical teams involved in facilitating the acquisitions, citing the purchases as evidence of strong bilateral cooperation. (DPI)