The State Department of the United States has given approval for the sale of four helicopters to Guyana as part of a foreign military sale.

Negotiations for the sale of the the two Bell 412 and two Bell 429 helicopters started under the previous government and have now been completed.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the United States has delivered the required certification to notify the US Congress of the sale.

According to a statement, the Government of Guyana has requested to buy two (2) Bell 412EPi Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications; two (2) Bell 429 Light Utility Helicopters with customer-unique modifications; two (2) WESCAM MX-10 cameras; mission equipment; contractor-provided pilot and maintainer training; particular ground support equipment; spares; publications; integrated product support; technical assistance; transportation; Repair and Return; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The total estimated program cost is $256 million.

The US Government believes the sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve security of Guyana, which is expected to grow to be an important force for political stability and economic progress in South America.

The statement added that the proposed sale of the Bell 412EPi and 429 helicopters will improve Guyana’s capability to meet current and future threats.

“Guyana will use the enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense; conduct maritime surveillance, patrol, and interdiction; counter narcotic trafficking and transnational criminal organizations; deter regional threats; and support coalition partners overseas. Guyana will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces”, the statement noted.

With plans to better monitor its borders, Guyana has been moving to enhance and development the law enforcement agencies.

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