SOURCE: AFI
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the Guyana Defence Force, marking a significant development in the growing partnership between the two nations. The aircraft arrived at Cheddi Jagan International Airport on board Boeing C-17 Globemaster military transport planes.
This delivery follows a recent agreement between Guyana and India. The High Commission of India in Guyana, in a social media post on platform X, highlighted the visit of an Indian Air Force team to deliver the aircraft. The post reads, “High Commissioner welcomed IAF team visiting Guyana to deliver the HAL-228 aircraft as part of Line of Credit from India to Guyana,” further adding, “A new chapter in the India-Guyana partnership begins.”
Last month, the Guyanese Finance Minister and the Deputy General Manager of EXIM Bank of India finalized a $23.27 million loan agreement to facilitate this purchase. Notably, HAL delivered the aircraft in record time as per Guyana’s request.
These Dornier 228 planes will be used for maritime patrols and troop movement by the Guyana Defence Force. India has previously supplied similar aircraft to its neighbors, including the Maldives and Sri Lanka. This delivery strengthens India’s defense cooperation with Guyana and signifies a growing strategic partnership between the two nations.