US$16 Million contract signed for two new Bell Helicopters for GDF

The Government of Guyana has inked a US$16 million contract with the Bell Textron company of the United States for the supply of two advanced rotary wing helicopters as part of its efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the Guyana Defence Force (GDF).

The contract was signed on Monday in the presence of Minister responsible for Finance, Dr Ashni Singh; U.S Ambassador, Nicole D. Theriot; Chief of Defence Staff of the GDF, Brigadier Omar Khan and the Region Sales Manager of Bell Textron Inc., Michael Aguilar.

In a statement, the Government said the signing of the contract is testament to the strong bilateral relationship between Guyana and the United States, and will result in the deepening of cooperation in defence and security.

“This partnership reflects shared values and goals, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in enhancing regional peace and stability,” the Government said

In his address, Minister Singh said the signing also represents another installment by the Government to invest significantly in the capitalization and recapitalization of the Guyana Defence Force.

It is estimated that by the end of this year, the Government would have spent almost G$32 billion on investments in capital assets for the GDF over the past four years.

Minister Singh explained that the investments are targeted towards improving all aspects in the Force’s operations – Air Corps, Marine, Infantry, among others – as well as supporting surveillance of Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and joint service operations.

The Senior Finance Minister, also used the opportunity to recognize the special and important relationship Guyana shares with the US, adding that the signing is another step in further strengthening and deepening relations between the two countries.

In her remarks, the US Ambassador said the “partnership represents more than just a commercial transaction,” adding that “it speaks directly to the core values and priorities that define the relationship between the United States and Guyana.”

Ambassador Theriot said the signing underscores their mutual commitment to safety and security. It was pointed out that the Bell helicopters will enhance Guyana’s capabilities in disaster response, search and rescue, and overall public safetty.

Coupled with training and maintenance, the aircraft will bolster Guyana’s ability to respond to emergencies swiftly and effectively.

“Today’s ceremony marks a significant advancement in our bilateral relationship. The United States remains committed to being a reliable, trusted partner to Guyana, and today we strengthen the foundation of that collaboration,” the US Ambassador was quoted as saying in the statement.

The Chief of Defence Staff also expressed his gratitude.

“This agreement is not merely us pursuing our defence objective to enhance our rotor-wing capability. In the main, it represents Government’s consistent approach to recapitalising the Force through strategic acquisition and infrastructure development,” Khan said.

He noted that the GDF has been operating the Bell brand since the 1980s with the initial purchase of five (5) aircraft during that period.

A further two (2) similar brands were purchased in 2007, and an additional two (2) were acquired in 2021 and 2023.

He said while the Force only has one (1) Bell product in service currently. Last November, one of the helicopters was involved in a crash at an interior location, claiming the lives of five servicemen. The findings of the investigation into that tragedy are still to be made public.

But Brigadier Khan said the new helicopters will empower the GDF to effectively conduct a range of missions, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and border security operations.