Guyana Defence Force (GDF)

Citation :

China donates military equipment to Guyana

Gabriel Dominguez, London - IHS Jane's Defence Weekly

07 April 2017

China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has given military equipment to Guyana in a bid to enhance bilateral ties and bolster the South American country's defence capabilities.


China's PLA donated 31 pieces of military equipment to the Guyana Defence Force in
early April. (GINA)


The donation to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) consisted of 31 pieces of equipment, including patrol boats, bulldozers, one excavator, water tankers, fuel tankers, tipper trucks, off-road ambulances, and other vehicles, Guyana's Government Information Agency (GINA) said in a statement on 4 April.

The PLA also brought in a team of officers to assist and train GDF troops in the use of the equipment.

The items were officially handed over on 3 April during a ceremony where Guyanese president David Granger said that the Chinese donation helped to "further cement relations between the two countries".

Granger referred to the vessels as a "welcome addition to the GDF's riverine fleet", while adding that the other equipment will improve the capability of the country's engineer corps.

"We look forward to the continued support of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Republic of China, especially in strengthening the technical capability of the Defence Force," he said.

"This ceremony is an expression of the fraternal ties between the Guyana Defence Force and the People's Liberation Army. This ceremony is a symbol of the friendship between Guyana and China," the president said.

GDF Chief of Staff Brigadier Patrick West was quoted by GINA as saying that the donation will contribute to the "total transformation of the service into a body that effectively oversees total national events".

"The GDF sees this donation as extremely significant since the type of equipment included in this catchment includes machinery that can positively impact our third role for national development such as road and bridge building," Brig West said in the GINA statement.
 

Citation :

Gdf Guyana

The Guyana Defence Force Exercise IRONWEED culminated yesterday with the “Final Attack”, in the savannahs of the Colonel John Clarke Military School at Tacama. Over 1500 troops participated in the 10-day exercise, which was designed to assess the Force’s operational capability and readiness in the Closed Country and Open Country warfare theatres.

Congratulating the troops following the exercise, Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West announced that the activity will be done on an annual basis. “In this Exercise, we have tested and assessed our coordination, synchronization, and standardization of (battle-ready) operational procedures,” he said. “We have demonstrated our capacity for mobilisation, deployment, concentration of force, battle procedure, fire and assault support, among other things. I am proud to announce that this is the first time that we have had so many troops involved in this type of exercise. This was because of the embodiment of more than 200 reservists from the Guyana People’s Militia,” he added. Brigadier West congratulated the Reservists, and noted that they understood their role. He expressed the hope that the lessons learnt would be implemented across their spectrum of training.

The Chief-of-Staff also noted that as the exercise continued each year, various adjustments to format and operational procedure would be initiated as necessary. This, he said, would be in keeping with the need to ensure sharper and more precise focus in battle-readiness and operational efficiency.

Below we share some photographs from the exercise.

PHOTOS:

   

Citation :

  Guyana Defence Force Air Corps' currently operational aircraft.

by RacecarRoadcar


1. Harbin  Y-12-IV. Utility transport aircraft.


2. Short SC.7 Skyvan. Utility transport aircraft.


3. RotorWay Exec 162F. Light scout helicopter.


4. Bell 206B JetRanger III. Tactical utility transport helicopter.


5. Bell 412EP. Tactical utility transport helicopter.

 https://imgur.com/gallery/SJNR3    

Citation :

Guyana to acquire additional aircraft for defence force

Alejandro Sanchez, Washington, DC - Jane's Defence Weekly

04 February 2019


The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Air Corps is to receive new aircraft to bolster its capabilities, the country’s president said during the annual officers’ conference on 24 January.

David Granger told the GDF that a number of platforms will be acquired.

Granger noted that the GDFs fleet was augmented last year with the acquisition of two Britten–Norman Islander light reconnaissance and troop transport aircraft, and that light transport aircraft are to be procured this year.

He also announced that the GDF will “acquire drones for border surveillance, inshore patrol vessels and engineering and transport equipment through budgetary allocations in FY 2019”.

Citation :

Gdf Guyana a ajouté 5 photos.

Members of the United States Military and the Guyana Defence Force recently concluded synchronised training to ensure the smooth flow of EXERCISE NEW HORIZONS.

The recent training was held over a 5 day period at Base Camp Stephenson.
EXERCISE NEW HORIZONS is a joint training exercise by the US Southern Command designed to enhance joint humanitarian assistance between the US and partner nations
in Central and South America and the Caribbean.





 

Citation :

Gdf Guyana  

Standard Officer Course # 51 completes jungle phase at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School.

On Saturday last, the Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, MSS, visited the officer cadets of SOC 51 at the Colonel Robert Mitchell Jungle and Amphibious Training School, Makouria, Essequibo River, where they showcased some of the newly acquired jungle warfare skills taught on the course.

At a simple but significant ceremony, the Chief of Staff thanked the cadets for the various demonstrations and congratulated them on completing the jungle phase of their training. He further noted that the Force remains committed to providing the best quality of jungle training available that is comparable to international standards and that this would serve them well on any follow-on courses to Brazil or French Guiana.

The Chief of Staff also reiterated Guyana's unique state of affairs within Caricom, being the only member country with two active territorial disputes and noted that while our policy is one of diplomacy, the Force must be prepared, through arduous training, to defend against territorial aggression.

Below we share a few photographs from this event.

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

Gdf Guyana

Troops currently undergoing training on several GDF courses successfully completed the Training Corps EXERCISE PURPLEHEART, which ended at the weekend in the Tacama Savannahs.

Inspector General Colonel Trevor Bowman visited the exercise area to witness its conclusion during which the troops demonstrated various elements of military tactics and strategy.

Commanding Officer of Training Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Julius Skeete expressed satisfaction with the conduct and execution of the exercise and noted that while there are still some areas for improvement, the objective of the exercise was met.

EXERCISE GREENHEART was designed to allow soldiers to demonstrate their grasp of the principles and practice used in Close Country Warfare.

We share some moments from this exercise captured by LCPL HananiYah Warde.

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

Gdf Guyana

The Guyana Defence Force Air Corps has added two Shorts SC-7 Skyvans to its fleet. The aircraft arrived at Air Station London, Timehri on Thursday June 27 at 1040 and 1045 hours , respectively, after several hours of flying from Poland through the United States and then to Guyana.

The aircraft arrived to the traditional water salute by the Guyana Fire Service and were commanded by GDF pilots, Majors Mohinder Ramjag, Miguel Benjamin, Paul Dalgety and Captain Lloyden Layne. The engineering team consisted of Captain Damon Joseph, Warrant Officer Class Two Roopnarine Boohdoo and Civilian Rodindradat Lall.

The aircraft, which have been assigned registration markings 8R-GWJ and 8R-GBW, are especially suited for Guyana’s rough interior terrain and allows for Short Take off and Landing (STOL). They are also specially prepared for paratrooping, search and rescue, and airborne operations.

The Chief of Staff, Brigadier Patrick West, MSS, yesterday, visited Air Station London to inspect the new aircraft and noted that the Force's capabilities will be greatly enhanced with the new addition to the fleet

PHOTOS:

 

Citation :

Gdf Guyana

A total of 951 GDF troops, inclusive of 189 Reservists, are currently engaged in EXERCISE GREEN HEART which is underway in areas between Mara Settlement and Tacama waterfront, in the Upper Berbice River. Thirty ranks of the Guyana Police Force are also involved in the Exercise.

The EXERCISE is designed to assess and test the preparedness of our troops to conduct operations in the jungle, and, at the same time, identify deficiencies which could be corrected to ensure full competency in the environment.

During EXERCISE GREENHEART, medical outreaches will be conducted in the various communities in the area.

Here, we share some photographs which show some of the GDF troops navigating the jungle terrain.

PHOTOS:

   

Citation :

Gdf Guyana

Chief-of-Staff Brigadier Patrick West, presented 21 Ensigns of the Standard Officer Course 51 with their Certificates of Completion and Paratrooper's Wings, after they successfully completed their final jump at Air Station London yesterday.

During his congratulatory remarks, Brigadier West observed that the history of the GDF and the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School was being written with "indelible ink". The Ensigns of SOC 51 are the second cohort to have completed the paratrooper course during their formative training.

Speaking to the inclusion of the course as a component of officer cadet training, Brigadier West emphasised that the model will continue to be used, as it will ultimately provide (the GDF) with an officer who is more operationally ready to face the challenges of the contemporary operating environment. "You have overcome your fears and challenged yourselves to become qualified airborne operators within the GDF...You will grow more proficient as you practice your new-found skills and move from basic to advanced training and operations in this area," he said. "As officers, you must be prepared to be launched into any operation, by any means, in any terrain, and under any condition," he added.

The Chief-of-Staff explained that the inclusion of the paratrooper course is aimed at ensuring that junior leaders in the force attain the skills necessary to enable them to transition easily in any operational theatre.

Following the award of their certificates and the paratrooper wings, the Ensigns were congratulated by an assemblage of officers which included the Commanding Officers of the Air Corps, the Training Corps, the the 31 Special Forces Squadron, the Sixth Infantry Batallion, and the Staff Officer General Three, among others.

PHOTOS:

   

Citation :

Nov  3

Guyana buys Bell 412EPI and 429 helicopters  


On October 30, 2020, the U.S. State Department made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Guyana
of Bell 412EPi and 429 Helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $256 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered
the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale.



Bell 412 of the Chilean Air Force (Picture source: Wikipedia)


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/#!/2020/11/guyana-buys-bell-412epi-and-429.html  

Citation :

LAST UPDATED: 09 JULY 2023




New aircraft for the Guyana Defence Force

In a ceremony on 8 July 2023, two aircraft were handed over to the Air Corps of the Guyana Defence Force at its main air base at Cheddi Jagan international airport in Temehri. Both aircraft were inaugurated by the President of Guyana, Mohammed Irfaan Ali and were blessed as part of the ceremony.

The first aircraft, a Beechcraft 350 King Air, was already seized in August 2017. After a lengthy judicial process, it was donated to the GDF. This aircraft will be used by the President and other government officials to fly directly to overseas destinations on official business trips.

The aircraft was seen as 8R-GPW in April 2023 at Miami Executive Airport (FL) for delivery after it received some upgrades. It has now been handed over with its new registration 8R-1GY, underlining its new role, and with a new colourscheme. The aircraft is the former PR-IMG, c/n FL-14 and could be seen on radar in the last week or so with its new registration.

Guyana GDF N533BB Bell 412EPi credit GDF 480Following the delivery of its sistership 8R-MIA in March 2021, the second Bell 412EPI which has already been ordered in November 2020, has now been handed over as well. As part of the same ceremony, Bell 412EPI c/n 37002 arrived as N533BB under a water salute. It will soon receive its new Guyanese registration 8R-AYA.

The GDF has the good habit of deriving some of its registrations from initials of important Guyanese persons, 8R-MIA being named after current President Mohammed Irfaan Ali. 8R-AYA may however refer to Camp Ayanganna, the GDF’s land forces main base in Georgetown.



Photos by GDF

https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/new-aircraft-for-the-guyana-defence-force
 

Citation :

GDF Guyana
 ·
U.S. Army, Guyana Defence Forces conduct training exercise

The leadership from the United States Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defense Force (GDF) met November 27-28 as part of the United States and Guyana’s strong military to military partnership.
The U.S. and Guyana defense forces discussed upcoming engagements to include strategic planning sessions and processes to enhance both countries’ military readiness and capabilities to respond to security threats.
The SFAB is a specialized unit of the U.S. Army established to advise and assist partner nations.  Since 2022, the SFAB has conducted several joint training exercises with the GDF to strengthen their capacity and capability at the tactical and operational levels.
The SFAB Advisors stated, “We are thankful for the opportunity to train with the Guyana Defense Force as our partners and friends.  We look forward to deepening the partnership in the weeks and months to come.”
GDF Staff Officer One General Three – Operations and Training – Lieutenant Colonel Andy Pompey said, “The last iteration of U.S. military training here in Guyana has been of tremendous benefit to the Medical Corps and the 4 Engineers Battalion.  The transfer of knowledge and expertise from our U.S. counterparts under the auspices of the SFAB has equipped our members with invaluable skills that are directly applicable to the dynamic nature of our modern security environment.
As we witness the positive outcomes of this training, we are confident that the benefits will be enduring, impacting not only our force’s operational capabilities but also the professional growth of individual members.  The SFAB program, with its focus on enhancing the capabilities of partner forces, is a testament to the collaborative efforts between our nations.  We look forward to seeing the continued positive impact of the U.S. SFAB training on our force.”
The U.S. and Guyana enjoy a longstanding security partnership marked by strong collaboration between SOUTHCOM and the GDF that is focused on disaster preparedness, humanitarian assistance, maritime security, human rights, professional development, defense and public-security missions, and countering transnational crime.

https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-army-guyana-defence-forces.../  

Le Général Marc Le bouil a rendu visite au Général Omar Khan du Guyana les 22 et 23 novembre.

Les discussions ont porté sur la coopération, la formation et l'entraînement communs dans le cadre du dialogue stratégique du plateau des Guyanes.

Une visite qui tombe à pic ? https://t.co/CFJs9NsytH pic.twitter.com/eTKWgKqn9k

— Louis Duclos (@ObsDelphi) November 30, 2023

Citation :

DEC 7

Breaking News: US and Guyana to conduct military flight operations despite tensions with Venezuela


In a notable advancement of their defense collaboration, the United States and Guyana are intensifying their joint military exercises with flight
operations, as detailed in a statement from the U.S. embassy in Guyana, dated December 7, 2023. This development is set against the backdrop
of rising tensions in the region, particularly concerning the ongoing territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana.



U.S. Army Soldier, Staff Sgt. Charles Risner, crew chief assigned to 1-228th Aviation Regiment, Joint Task Force Bravo, prepares a UH-60 Black
Hawk for flight at Camp Stephenson, Guyana during TRADEWINDS 23, July 21, 2023. (Picture source U.S. DoD)



http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/12/breaking-news-us-and-guyana-to-conduct.html

Diplo. éco. : signature à Georgetown, Guyana, ce jour, d’une lettre d’intention d’achat d’un OPC 190 (Off-shore patrol vessel) de l’entreprise OCEA, deux semaines après la visite du Ministre Stéphane Séjourné et l’annonce de l’ouverture d’une ambassade en 2025. @francediplo pic.twitter.com/TIqfyig0yz

— Nicolas de Lacoste (@deLacoste_N) April 10, 2024

#Guyana () is set to purchase a brand new Ocean Patrol Vessel (OPV) from #France () in support of ongoing patrol activities to ensure national security.

The specific model is the OCEA OPV 190 model, which will be purchased for a total of €39.5M. pic.twitter.com/vDnjNkprpa

— SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) April 11, 2024

Citation :

 GDF Guyana

NEW PATROL VESSEL DOCKS AT GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE COAST GUARD HEADQUARTERS
Today, the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard (GDF CG) welcomed the newest addition to its fleet. A new Metal Shark 115 Defiant Patrol Vessel was docked at Headquarters Coast Guard, where the onboard crew disembarked.
Onboard the vessel were four (4) Officers and twelve (12) ranks from the GDF CG, accompanied by one (1) Officer, two (2) Ranks from the Regional Security System, and four Metal Shark Boats personnel. They were greeted by the Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, Colonel General Staff Colonel Kenlloyd Roberts, Branch Heads, Senior Officers, and other members of the Coast Guard. The National Security Advisor, Captain Gerald Gouveia was also present.
The vessel was designed by Metal Shark's in-house engineering team at the company's Franklin, Louisiana, production facility. It now adds to the existing fleet of Metal Shark vessels currently serving in the Coast Guard.
Following a period of training, the vessel will be handed over to the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard and commissioned into service.  

Citation :

 GDF Guyana
 ·
CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF SIGNS SECURITY AGREEMENT TO ENHANCE MILITARY COOPERATION WITH FRANCE

Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, recently visited France as part of the bilateral relations between the two countries. During this engagement, Brigadier Khan signed a security agreement with his French counterpart aimed at enhancing military cooperation. The agreement underscores the commitment of both nations to work closely on regional defence and security matters.
In addition to this pivotal agreement, Brigadier Khan held high-level meetings with the Chief of Defence Staff of the French Armed Forces Army General Thierry Burkhard and the Director of Foreign Relations and Strategy in the Ministry of Defence Major General Patrik Steiger. These discussions focused on strategic partnerships, collaborative defense initiatives, and shared security goals.
France continues to be an important strategic partner, and this visit marks a significant step in bolstering the existing partnership.

Citation :

GDF Guyana
·
GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE MOBILISES RELIEF EFFORTS FOR GRENADA AFTER HURRICANE BERYL
In response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean region, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has swiftly mobilised a collaborative response through the Civil Defence Commission and the Guyana Defence Force to provide essential supplies to Grenada.
As part of the initial response efforts, the GDF deployed an emergency relief flight to Grenada early this morning. The flight, 8R-GWJ, departed Eugene F. Correia International Airport at 0930 hrs with Colonel Nazrul  Hussain, Director General of the Civil Defence Commission and a three-man flight crew commanded by Major Lloyden Layneand and second-in-command Major Daryl Britton along with the third crew Sergeant Dexroy Fields and arrived in Grenada at 1155 hrs where the essential supplies were delivered. This mission underscores our commitment to providing immediate assistance and support during times of crisis.
This humanitarian effort is not the first for Guyana, as the nation was actively involved in relief efforts during Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Such experiences have fortified the GDF's readiness and ability to respond effectively to natural disasters within the region. The GDF continues to work closely with regional and national emergency response agencies, including the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency, to coordinate relief efforts and ensure timely support reaches those in need.
Our thoughts are with the people of Grenada and all those impacted by Hurricane Beryl. Together with our regional partners, we are committed to overcoming the challenges brought forth by this disaster and ensuring the safety and well-being of all affected communities.  

#Guyana ()

On Monday (2024/9/30), the Government of Guyana & American company () @BellFlight signed a $16 Million USD contract for the supply of 2x rotary-wing aircraft for the Guyana Defense Force.

Back in February, the US promised assistance with buying new helicopters. pic.twitter.com/hieYNW27DQ

— SA Defensa (@SA_Defensa) October 4, 2024