GDF purchases new aircraft with short runway power to tackle Guyana’s tough terrain

…as army seeks to revamp air fleet

GDF Acquires STOL aircraft with short runway power to tackle guyana’s tough terrain
The Guyana Defense Force (GDF) has taken another stride in revamping its fleet of aircraft, with the purchase of a new Tecnam P2012 aircraft that specializes in taking off from and landing on short runways, a feature that is in itself a tactical boost well suited for Guyana’s geography.

It was announced on Wednesday that the GDF had purchased a new Tecnam P2012 aircraft. The aircraft is a Short Take Off and Landing, also known as STOL, which means that it does not need a standard extended run way to take off or to land.
“This acquisition represents a key part of the GDF’s ongoing commitment to expanding its operational reach, especially in remote and underserved regions of Guyana. The Tecnam P2012 STOL’s capability for short-field operations makes it particularly well-suited to the country’s geographic demands,” the GDF said in its statement.
According to GDF, the aircraft was purchased with the aim of expanding the army’s reach in remote and underserved regions of Guyana. It was also purchased with the intention of boosting the Air Corps ability to support national security and humanitarian efforts. Additionally, engineer training is being done. Once this, and pilot training is completed, the aircraft will be delivered to Guyana.
“This development reflects the GDF’s strategic focus on maintaining a modern, capable, and responsive Air Corps, one that supports national security, humanitarian response, and development initiatives, while ensuring its aviation assets remain current, effective, and mission ready.”
“As part of the integration process, engineer training is currently underway, to be followed by pilot training. Upon completion, the aircraft will be delivered to Guyana and inducted into active service with the Air Corps,” the army explained.
Tecnam, an Italian aircraft manufacturer, is no stranger to Guyana having recently supplied two P2012 Traveller Continental aircrafts to Roraima Airways. It was explained by the GDF that a senior team led by Colonel Administration and Quartering, Commander Roger Nurse, traveled to Italy to inspect the aircraft and sign the acceptance agreement.
“The team was led by Colonel Administration and Quartering, Commander Roger Nurse, and included Commanding Officer of the Air Corps, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Archer, Maintenance Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Damon Joseph and Chief Pilot, Major Lloyden Layne,” GDF explained, adding that “during the visit, the officers thoroughly examined the aircraft’s technical records, inspected all systems, and observed ground and in-flight demonstrations. All aspects of the aircraft’s performance met the required standards, following which an Aircraft Acceptance Agreement was signed, marking the GDF’s formal acceptance of the asset.”
Last year, $42.2 billion was allocated in GDF budget to invest in capital assets. This year, that figure was $50 billion. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) government has embarked on a massive push to recapitalize the GDF’s assets, with the purchase of planes, helicopters and boats.
The Government had announced the acquisition of a maritime patrol asset from France last year. A letter of intent was subsequently signed in April 2024, with the aim of procuring the vessel, between the Guyana Government and leading French aluminum shipbuilding company OCEA S. A.
The vessel is valued at EU$39.5 million and is expected to arrive in 2026. The inked agreement covers the manufacturing of the vessel, a comprehensive logistics package with spears, and five years of maintenance of the product.
Additionally, a 115 Defiant monohull patrol vessel, which was designed and built by United States-based Metal Shark Boats to the tune of US$11.5 million for the GDF, had also arrived in Guyana last year to join the army’s Coast Guard fleet.
Prior to that, Indian firm Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, as part of Line of Credit the Government of India had extended to Guyana, had delivered two Dornier 228 planes to the GDF. The planes were acquired to the tune of US$23.27 Million.
And back in October 2020, the US State Department had approved the sale of four helicopters and related equipment to Guyana to the tune of US$256 million. According to the particulars of the sale, Guyana will get four helicopters, including two Bell 412Epi and two Bell 429 helicopters, plus related equipment.