Guyana Defence Force

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Guyana Defence Force
Guyana Defence Force Crest.svg
Emblem of the Guyana Defence Force
Flag of the Guyana Defence Force.svg
Flag of the Guyana Defence Force
Motto "SERVICE" [1]
Founded1 November 1965
(60 years, 125 days) [2]
Service branches
  • Army
  • Air Corps
  • Coast Guard
Headquarters Defence Headquarters, Base Camp Ayanganna, Thomas Lands, Georgetown [3]
Website Official website
Leadership
Commander-in-Chief Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali [4]
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, MSS [5] [6]
Minister of Home Affairs Oneidge Walrond [7] [8]
Chief of Defence Staff Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS [9]
Personnel
Military age17.75 [10]
Conscription No
Active personnel3,400 (2023) [11]
Reserve personnel 670 (2023) [11]
Expenditure
Budget GY$42.2 billion (2024) [12]
Percent of GDP 0.9% (2024) [13]
Industry
Foreign suppliersFlag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Flag of France.svg France
Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Flag of India.svg India
Flag of Italy.svg Italy
Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
Flag of the United States.svg United States
Related articles
History Rupununi Uprising
Operation Uphold Democracy
Guyana–Venezuela crisis (2023–2024)
Ranks Military ranks of Guyana

The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is the armed forces of Guyana, established in 1965. It has military bases across the nation. [14] The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force is always the incumbent President of Guyana. [15] Service Branches include the Army, Air Corps, and Coast Guard. [16]

Contents

Although a small nation, Guyana's recent petro wealth has destabilized the region, re-igniting border disputes with Venezuela inherited from the colonial era.

History

The nation of Guyana became independent in the 1960s, before that defense was the responsibility of the United Kingdom. A modest defense force for small country, is back-dropped by alliances with major regional players including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. Guyanese forces participated in the multinational 1994 mission to Haiti.

Twentieth century

The GDF was formed on 1 November 1965. Members of the new Defence Force were drawn from the British Guiana Volunteer Force (BGVF), Special Service Unit (SSU), British Guiana Police Force (BGPF) and civilians. Training assistance was provided by British instructors.

A survey party sent by the Surinamese government, which at the time was still under Dutch colonial rule, was sent to the Tigri Area in late 1967 as part of Suriname's "Operation Grasshopper", prompting the GDF to confiscate their weapons and expel them from the territory on December 12. [17]

On January 2, 1969, the Rupununi uprising by native Pemon and Wapishana led by Valerie Hart, with reported support from Venezuela, [11] began with an attack against Lethem, the capital of the Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo region, resulting in the deaths of five police officers and two civilians and the destruction of Guyanese government buildings. [18] The rebels locked townsfolk in their homes, blocked airstrips in the area, and took Guyanese government officials into their custody. [19] [18] Guyanese forces mobilized from the nearest unblocked airstrip and in two days the insurrection was quelled, with many rebels fleeing into Venezuela and Brazil, with Hart fleeing to the former. [19] [20] Accusations of massacres by Guyanese forces of native Amerindians have been put forth, which the Guyanese government denied and the Guyanese government accused the rebels of being backed by Venezuela and attempting to cede themselves to Venezuela. [21] [18]

Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the GDF Chief of Staff Omar Khan.jpg
Omar Khan, Chief of Staff of the GDF

In mid–August 1969, patrolling GDF forces discovered a Surinamese camp and partially completed airstrip in the Tigri Area. This discovery prompted the GDF to launch an operation on August 19, 1969 against the camp and airstrip, resulting in the expulsion of Surinamese forces from the area. [17]

A platoon of GDF soldiers, part of a contingent of Caribbean Community troops, were involved in the 1994 US-led intervention Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti. [22]

Twenty-first century

Guyanese Defense Force unload supplies from a helicopter with international partners, as part of the mission Continuing Promise in 2008 US Navy 081111-N-3595W-103 Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Uebelhoer and a member of the Guyana Defense Force, work together unloading medical supplies.jpg
Guyanese Defense Force unload supplies from a helicopter with international partners, as part of the mission Continuing Promise in 2008

On 28 November 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Guyana announced that the United States military (1st SFAB) and the Guyana Defence Force would strengthen their military partnership. [23] This occurred during the 2023 Guyana–Venezuela crisis when its neighboring country, Venezuela, announced the annexation of the majority of Guyana's western territories via the 2023 Venezuelan referendum. [24] The GDF is multiple factors smaller than the National Bolivarian Armed Forces of Venezuela and would have great difficulty defending itself from Venezuela without foreign support. [11]

In the 2020s a major shift took place, the percent of GDP of defense decreased but there was a big increase in overall budget due to changes GDP. [25] From 1990 to 2020, non-inflation adjusted currency the defense increased went from 142 thousand to 16 billion. [25]

In early 2024, a plan was announced to procure more helicopters, a maritime defense vessel, and a drone. [26]

Roles and functions

Guyanese soldier at the Colombian National Training Center A member of the Guyana special operations forces team competes in the rifle qualification event for Fuerzas Comando 2012 June 7, 2012, at the Colombian National Training Center in Tolomaida, Colombia 120607-A-WK843-286.jpg
Guyanese soldier at the Colombian National Training Center

Three main roles exist for the GDF:

The GDF is an integral part of the Guyanese nation. Resources and equipment of the GDF are used to help other Guyanese; examples include medical mercy flights and the construction of roads and airstrips by the Engineering Corps.

Enlistment into the force is voluntary for officers and soldiers. Basic training is done within GDF training schools, which has also trained officers and soldiers from Commonwealth Caribbean territories. However, officers are trained at one of two British officer training schools: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (Infantry Training) and Britannia Royal Naval College (Coast Guard Training).

The training and skills gained by the members of the GDF have been used when they move either into civilian life or into the sister military organizations, the Guyana National Reserve (now the Second Infantry Battalion Group Reserve) and formerly the Guyana National Service (disbanded in 2000) and the Guyana People's Militia.

Organization

Flag of the GDF Coast Guard GDF Coast Guard flag (variant).svg
Flag of the GDF Coast Guard
Flag of the GDF Air Corps GDF Air Corps.svg
Flag of the GDF Air Corps

1st Infantry Battalion Group

In the 1980s, the Guyana Defence Force manned the Amawai, Roraima, Ireng, and Takutu sectors, while the Kutari Sector was manned by the then Guyana National Service. In 1988, these GDF battalions were merged to create the 1st Infantry Battalion, later known as the 1st Infantry Battalion Group. At that time, the Force had more resources, including human, financial, and materiel, compared to its current state. However, today, the amalgamated battalion faces significant challenges as it is now required to carry out the tasks previously handled by multiple units. This poses a considerable challenge, especially given the changing dynamics in the global environment, which are impacting the nation's security. [27]

31 Special Forces Squadron

The 31 Special Forces Squadron is a special forces group that is specialized in airborne, jungle and river warfare operations. [11]

GDF Band Corps

The Guyana Defence Force Band Corps is the official musical unit of the GDF whose role is to provide musical accompaniment for ceremonial functions of the GDF. [28] The members were drawn from the Rifle Companies and the defunct Volunteer Force and were brought out during regimental military parades. The Guyana Defence Force Steel Band would soon follow the main band's lead after its own establishment in 1970, three years after the original band was founded. [29]

Medical Corps

The Medical Corps provides medical and dental care to all the members of the GDF and their immediate families. It often liaises with the Health ministry for medical procedures and protocol to be carried out effectively. The corps is situated in Base Camp Ayanganna which includes facilities such as a medical laboratory and a dental lab. [30]

Chief of Defence Staff

Equipment

Much of the equipment belonging to Guyana are Cold War era weapons, with some World War II armaments still supplied. [11] Guyana is a member of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative. It maintains strong military relations with Brazil, with which it collaborates on border security through yearly regional military exchange gatherings. Moreover, the nation has bilateral pacts with China, France, and the USA. The GDF engages in regular training and participates in bilateral activities. Equipment is mostly composed of ex-Soviet and British weapons and vehicles. The air force has enhanced its limited air-transport capabilities with second-hand aircraft primarily from Brazilian and North American origins. With the exception of maintenance facilities, a defence-industrial sector does not exist. [31]

Armoured fighting vehicles

ModelImageOriginQuantityDetails
Reconnaissance
EE-9 Cascavel EE-9 Cascavel at Musee des Blindes, Saumur, France (53352496987).jpg Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil ~6only reported. [31]
EE-11 Urutu EE-11 Urutu (7810225614).jpg Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil 24 [11] MkIII variant, unknown if functional [11]

Armoured transport vehicles

ModelImageOriginQuantityDetails
Shorland S52 Land rover shorland S51.jpg Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 5 [32] [11]

Artillery

ModelImageOriginCalibreQuantityDetails
Towed
M-46 M-46 Lutsk.jpg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 130mm~6 [31]
Multiple rocket systems
Type 63 H12 Type 63 multiple rocket launcher.JPG Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China 107mm6 [11]
Mortars
L16A1 81mmMORT L16.png Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom 81mm~12 [31]
M-43 Zagan 82 mm mozdzierz wz 37.jpg Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 82mm~18 [31]
120mm~18 [31]
M119
M119a trimmed.jpg
Flag of the United States (Web Colors).svg United States 105mm8In poor condition

Patrol and coastal combatants

ModelImageOriginVariantQuantityAcquiredDetails
PCO
GDFS Essequibo
Shown during her service in the British Royal Navy as the HMS Orwell HMS Orwell (M2011) Bay of Biscay 1990.jpg
Shown during her service in the British Royal Navy as the HMS Orwell
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom River-class minesweeper [31] ~12001 [33] Decommissioned in June, 2025. [11] [34] [35] [36]
Patrol boats
Barracuda
Djiboutian ship of same make shown Djibouti-PatrolBoat.jpg
Djiboutian ship of same make shown
Flag of the United States.svg United States 44-foot motor lifeboat ~42001 [37] ex-US Type-44. [31]
GDFS 1033 (GDFS Peregrine) & GDFS 1034
GDFS Peregrine Guyana Coast Guard - Peregrine.jpg
GDFS Peregrine
Flag of the United States.svg United States 38 Defiant-class patrol vessels22017Commissioned in March, 2017. [38] [39] [40]
GDFS Shahoud
Shown in front of US Cruiser USS Normandy USS Normandy conducts a passing exercise with GDFS Shahoud in the Caribbean Sea on 27 March 2025 - 1.jpg
Shown in front of US Cruiser USS Normandy
Flag of the United States.svg United States 115 Defiant-class patrol vessels 12024Commissioned in June, 2024. [41]

Small arms

NameImageCaliberTypeOriginNotes
Pistols
Walther PPK [42]
1972 Walther PP.jpg
.32 ACP Semi-automatic pistol Flag of Germany.svg Germany Retired
Glock 17
Glock 17-removebg-preview.png
9mm Semi-automatic pistol Flag of the United States.svg United States
Submachine guns
Sten [42] STEN MK II submachinegun.png 9×19mm Submachine gun Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Retired
Sterling [42] Sterling SMG2.JPG 9×19mm Submachine gun Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Retired
Heckler & Koch UMP
HKUMP45.JPG
9×19mm Submachine gun Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Rifles
SKS [42] Simonov-SKS-45.JPG 7.62×39mm Semi-automatic rifle Flag of the Soviet Union (1936 - 1955).svg Soviet Union
AKM [42] AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armemuseum rightside noBG.png 7.62×39mm Assault rifle Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
Type 63 [42] Rifle Type 63 noBG.png 7.62×39mm Assault rifle Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
Type 56 [42] Type 56 mod02 noBG.png 7.62×39mm Assault rifle Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China
M16 [42] M16A2 rightside noBG.jpg 5.56×45mm Assault rifle Flag of the United States.svg United States
FAMAS [43] Rifles FAMAS.jpg 5.56×45mm Assault rifle Flag of France.svg France
Heckler & Koch G36 [42] Gewehr G36 noBG.png 5.56×45mm Assault rifle Flag of Germany.svg Germany
FN FAL [42] FN-FAL belgian noBG.png 7.62×51mm Battle rifle Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
Heckler & Koch G3 [42] H&K G3FS.jpg 7.62×51mm Battle rifle Flag of Germany.svg West Germany
Machine guns
Bren [42] Bren LMG.jpg 7.62×51mm Light machine gun Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom
FN Minimi [43] FN MINIMI Standard Right.jpg 5.56×45mm Light machine gun Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
FN MAG [42] IDF-FN-MAG.png 7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
AA-52 [42] Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg 7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun Flag of France.svg France
Surface-to-air missiles
9K32 Strela-2 SA-7.jpg 72mm Surface-to-air missile Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 18 [11]
Rocket propelled grenade launchers
RPG-7 [42]
Rpg-7.jpg
40mm Rocket-propelled grenade Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union

Aircraft inventory

Two new Dornier-HAL 228 were delivered in 2024 from India (type of aircraft pictured). Do228NG - RIAT 2012 (18649688613).jpg
Two new Dornier-HAL 228 were delivered in 2024 from India (type of aircraft pictured).

The Defence force air wing was formed in 1968 and was then renamed the Guyana Defence force air command in 1973. Seven Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander were delivered over a five-year period in the 1970s and then were supplemented by Short Skyvans series 3Ms in 1979. In 1986 3 Mil Mi-8 were delivered. The GDF currently operates 8 fixed-wing aircraft and 4 helicopters. Recently, the GDF had ordered two Dornier Do-228 aircraft from Indian Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which were delivered on 1 April 2024. [44] [45]

In early 2024, a plan was announced to among other things to buy some new helicopters. [26] One crashed in 2023, which, because only a few helicopters are operated represented a significant loss.

Current inventory

AircraftOriginTypeVariantIn serviceNotes
Transport
Cessna 206 Flag of the United States.svg United States Utility1 [11]
Dornier HAL 228 Flag of India.svg India Utility228-201 [46] 2 [47] [48] Delivery aboard IAF C-17 aircraft. Commissioned November, 2024. [49]
Short Skyvan Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom UtilitySC.72 [50] Acquired June, 2019. [51]
Britten-Norman Islander Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom SAR, Transport, Observation, Surveillance.BN-22 [52] Commissioned August, 2018. [53]
Super King Air B300 Flag of the United States.svg United States VIP transport 350 1 [54] Commissioned July, 2023. [55]
Tecnam P2012 Flag of Italy.svg Italy Utility STOL 1 [56] Commissioned July, 2025. [57]
Harbin Y-12 Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China Utility1 [11]
Helicopters
Bell 206 Flag of the United States.svg United States Utility 1 [50]
Bell 412 Flag of the United States.svg United States UtilityEPi [58] [59] 1 [50] Commissioned March, 2021. [60] [61]
Bell 407 Flag of the United States.svg United States Utility1 [62] Commissioned December, 2025. [63]
Bell 429 GlobalRanger Flag of the United States.svg United States Utility1 [64] [65] Commissioned December, 2025. [66]
UAVs
Skyfront Perimeter Flag of the United States.svg United States Surveillance85 [67] Acquired 2019. [68] [69] [70] [71]

Retired aircraft

Previous notable aircraft operated by the Air Corps were the Cessna 182, Cessna 206, Embraer EMB 110, Helio Courier, Aérospatiale Alouette III, Bell 212, and the Mil Mi-8. [72]

Coast Guard

The maritime branch was founded January 9, 1967, with the Guyanese Coast Guard founded in 1990, before this they were called the Buccaneers. Various light vessels were built or used through the 1970s and 80s, especially for customs, maritime, fisheries, and river patrol. [73]

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