GDF Commissions $711M Aircraft to Boost Airspace Defense, Humanitarian Support
By Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) on Thursday commissioned its newest aircraft — a Technam P2012, valued at $711.6 million — during a ceremony at its hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport.
Delivering the feature address, Commander-in-Chief President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized that aerospace defense is a top national priority and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to securing Guyana’s airspace through cutting-edge investments.
“Our airspace will be defended with all available technology — for the sake of modernization, sovereignty, and security,” Ali declared.
The president also revealed that the government is in active discussions to incorporate satellite technology and other advanced air defense systems, noting that national security must never be treated as an afterthought.
“Defense is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Sovereignty is not negotiable — it is sacred,” President Ali added, calling for a shift in national mindset towards prioritizing security.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, noted that this is the sixth aircraft the GDF has acquired since 2020, underscoring the military’s ongoing efforts to modernize its aerial fleet.
“This facility is not just a building — it’s a statement that Guyana is prepared, that our skies will be watched and protected,” Khan said.
The newly commissioned Technam P2012 aircraft, registered to represent Mabaruma Township, will support a range of missions, including humanitarian aid to remote and inland communities. The twin-engine aircraft is designed for short, rugged airstrips and turbulent weather conditions, making it ideal for Guyana’s diverse terrain.
