New Bell helicopters to enhance GDF security capabilities, strengthen operations – Pres. Ali

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) has officially welcomed two new additions to its fleet — a Bell 407 and Bell 429 helicopter, which are expected to significantly bolster the army’s operational capabilities. This is according to Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Dr Irfaan Ali. “These helicopters will significantly enhance the GDF’s national security capabilities, improve emergency response and strengthen rapid-deployment operations across the country”, the Head of State said in a social media post on Sunday.

The two helicopters arrived in Guyana on Saturday and will now undergo full certification before being deployed on official duties. The GDF said the acquisition of both helicopters, which were manufactured in the United States (US) are part of its recapitalisation plan. Based on recent reports, the two newly acquired choppers left the US on November 21 and made several stops before finally arriving on local shores over the weekend.

Back in October 2024, the Guyana Government had signed a US$16 million contract with US-based Bell Textron Inc. for the supply of two advanced rotary wing aircraft. “This agreement is not merely us pursuing our defence objective to enhance our rotor-wing capability. In the main, it represents the Government’s consistent approach to recapitalising the Force through strategic acquisition and infrastructure development”, Chief of Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, had stated at the signing. Notably, Brigadier Khan outlined that the GDF has been operating the Bell brand since the 1980s with the initial purchase of five aircraft during that period. A further two similar brands were purchased in 2007 and an additional two were acquired in 2021 and 2023. While the Force only has one Bell product in service to date, the Army Head posited that the acquisition of two more comparable products will better position the Force to enhance the conduct of missions in remote areas of our country. Also at the contract signing was Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh, who had noted that this transaction represents yet another instalment in the Government’s very significant investments in the capitalisation and recapitalisation of the GDF. In fact, it was noted that the several billions of dollars in investments are targeted towards improving all aspects of the Force’s operations (Air Corps, Marine, Infantry, etc) as well as supporting surveillance of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and joint service operations.

Dr Singh also used the opportunity to thank Bell Textron’s team for the support they have given to Guyana thus far and reiterated that the Government looks forward to seeing more USA companies investing in Guyana and doing business in Guyana and with Guyanese companies. The new rotary wing aircrafts will empower the GDF to effectively conduct a range of missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief and border security operations. Equipped with the most recent modern technology, these helicopters demonstrate the proactive steps the Government of Guyana is taking to strengthen its defence capabilities and ensure that Guyana remains prepared to address emerging challenges.

As part of the contract, Bell Textron Inc will be providing comprehensive training and maintenance support for these two aircraft thus ensuring that the GDF can maximise the benefits of this investment for years to come. In addition to company support for the two helicopters under contract, the US Embassy in Georgetown, in coordination with US Southern Command, approved funding for a US Air Force team to provide operations, logistics and maintenance training to the GDF Air Corps to strengthen their ability to sustain the air fleet. US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, who had also witnessed the contract signing, had said that the partnership represented more than just a commercial transaction.

“It speaks directly to the core values and priorities that define the relationship between the United States and Guyana, and it underscores our mutual commitment to safety and security. These Bell helicopters enhance Guyana’s capabilities in disaster response, search and rescue and overall public safety – it is an investment in protecting the lives of the Guyanese people. Coupled with training and maintenance, these aircrafts will bolster Guyana’s ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively,” she had noted.