New Delhi, 01 April (HS). A new chapter has begun in the defense partnership between India and Guyana. India has handed over two Dornier-228 aircraft to the Guyana Defense Force. The Air Force team reached Guyana late Sunday night in two C-17 transport aircraft, where the High Commissioner welcomed them. Both Dornier-228 aircraft have been given to Guyana as part of the line of credit. For this deal, the Guyana Defense Force had signed a Line of Credit (LOC) with India on a loan of $23.27 million.
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) has enhanced its security capabilities by purchasing two Dornier-228 aircraft from India for maritime patrol and troop movement under a loan of $23.27 million. The Indian defense industry has entered the Caribbean country through this deal with the Guyana Defense Force. An agreement in this regard was signed between the Finance Minister of Guyana and the Deputy GM of Exim Bank on March 15. The 228 aircraft, manufactured at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), are considered ideal for short take-off and landing operations in Guyana's territory. It will be used for maritime patrolling as well as re-supply of military bases, movement of troops to interior locations.
This Line of Credit (LOC) agreement with Guyana is the first that India has signed with a Caribbean country. Apart from this, Guyana is also planning to buy patrol vehicles, radar and armored vehicles from India. This agreement is part of the Government's ongoing effort to enhance the capabilities of the GDF. The deal was initiated during the visit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited during the visit of Guyana President Ali to India in January last year. The Government of Guyana said the purchase of the two aircraft forms part of its largest-ever investment in the capitalization of the force.