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Guyana Defence Force

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The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) is the military of Guyana, established in 1965. It has military bases across the nation.[6] The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force is always the incumbent President of Guyana.[7] The branches include the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

Guyana Defence Force
GDF emblem
Guyana Defence Force flag
Motto"SERVICE"[2]
Founded1 November 1965 (de facto)
22 May 1966 (de jure)[1]
Service branches
  • Army
  • Air Corps
  • Coast Guard
WebsiteOfficial website
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefMohamed Irfaan Ali
Chief of StaffOmar Khan[3]
Personnel
Military age18 years of age
ConscriptionNo
Active personnel3,400 (2023)[4]
Reserve personnel670 (2023)[4]
Expenditure
Percent of GDP1.69% (2018)[5]
Industry
Foreign suppliers
Related articles
HistoryRupununi Uprising
Operation Uphold Democracy
2023 Guayana Esequiba crisis
RanksMilitary ranks of Guyana

Although a small nation, recent petro wealth has destabilized the region, re-igniting border disputes inherited from the colonial period.

History

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In late December, the United Kingdom announced its deployment of HMS Trent (P224) to Guyana amidst escalating regional tensions. Western powers have shown a willingness to act decisively in disputes in this region including Grenada and the Falkands war.

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 Hati.

Twentieth century

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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.[8]

On January 2, 1969, the Rupununi uprising by native Pemon and Wapishana led by Valerie Hart, with reported support from Venezuela,[4] 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.[9] The rebels locked townsfolk in their homes, blocked airstrips in the area, and took Guyanese government officials into their custody.[10][9] 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.[10][11] 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.[12][9]

 
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.[8]

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.[13]

Twenty-first century

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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.[14] 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.[15] 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.[4]

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.[16] From 1990 to 2020, non-inflation adjusted currency the defense increased went from 142 thousand to 16 billion.[17]

In early 2024, a plan was announced to procure more helicopters, a maritime defense vessel, and a drone.[18]

Roles and functions

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Guyanese soldier at the Colombian National Training Center

Three main roles exist for the GDF:

  • Defend the territorial integrity of Guyana.
  • Assist the civil power in the maintenance of law and order when required to do so.
  • Contribute to the economic development of Guyana.

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

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GDF Coast Guard flag
 
GDF Air Corps flag
  • 1st Infantry Battalion Group
  • 3rd Infantry Battalion
  • 2nd Infantry Battalion Group Reserve (formerly the Guyana People's Militia)
  • 31 Special Forces Squadron
  • 21st Artillery Company
  • Engineer Battalion
  • Signals Corps
  • Defence Headquarters
  • Training Corps
  • Intelligence Corps
  • Coast Guard
  • Band Corps
  • Medical Corps
  • Air Corps

1st Infantry Battalion Group

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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.[19]

31 Special Forces Squadron

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The 31 Special Forces Squadron is a special forces group that is specialized in airborne, jungle and river warfare operations.[4]

GDF Band Corps

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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.[20] 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.[21]

Medical Corps

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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.[22]

Chief of Defence Staff

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Main article: Chief of Defence Staff (Guyana)

Equipment

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Much of the equipment belonging to Guyana are Cold War era weapons, with some World War II armaments still supplied.[4] 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.[23]

Armoured fighting vehicles

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Model Image Origin Quantity Details
Reconnaissance
EE-9 Cascavel     Brazil ~6 only reported.[23]
EE-11 Urutu     Brazil 24[4] MkIII variant, unknown if functional[4]

Armoured transport vehicles

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Model Image Origin Quantity Details
Shorland S52     United Kingdom 5[24] [4]

Artillery

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Model Image Origin Calibre Quantity Details
Towed
M-46     Soviet Union 130mm ~6 [23]
Multiple rocket systems
Type 63     China 107mm 6 [4]
Mortars
L16A1     United Kingdom 81mm ~12 [23]
M-43     Soviet Union 82mm ~18 [23]
120mm ~18 [23]

Patrol and coastal combatants

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Model Image Origin Variant Quantity Acquired Details
PCO
GDFS Essequibo     United Kingdom River-class minesweeper[23] ~1 2001[25] Ship in poor condition[4][26][27]
Patrol boats
Barracuda     United States 44-foot motor lifeboat ~4 2001[28] ex-US Type-44.[23]
GDFS 1033 (GDFS Peregrine) & GDFS 1034     United States 38 Defiant-class patrol vessels 2 2017 Commissioned in March, 2017.[29][30][31]
GDFS Shahoud     United States 115 Defiant-class patrol vessels 1 2024 Commissioned in June, 2024.[32]

Small arms

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Name Image Caliber Type Origin Notes
Pistols
Walther PPK[33]   .32 ACP Semi-automatic pistol   Germany
Submachine guns
Sten[33]   9×19mm Submachine gun   United Kingdom
Sterling[33]   9×19mm Submachine gun   United Kingdom
Rifles
SKS[33]   7.62×39mm Semi-automatic rifle   Soviet Union
AKM[33]   7.62×39mm Assault rifle   Soviet Union
Type 63[33]   7.62×39mm Assault rifle   China
Type 56[33]   7.62×39mm Assault rifle   China
M16[33]   5.56×45mm Assault rifle   United States
FAMAS[34]   5.56×45mm Assault rifle   France
Heckler & Koch G36[33]   5.56×45mm Assault rifle   Germany
FN FAL[33]   7.62×51mm Battle rifle   Belgium
Heckler & Koch G3[33]   7.62×51mm Battle rifle   West Germany
Machine guns
Bren[33]   7.62×51mm Light machine gun   United Kingdom
FN Minimi[34]   5.56×45mm Light machine gun   Belgium
FN MAG[33]   7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun   Belgium
AA-52[33]   7.62×51mm General-purpose machine gun   France
Surface-to-air missiles
9K32 Strela-2   72mm Surface-to-air missile   Soviet Union 18[4]
Rocket propelled grenade launchers
RPG-7[33]   40mm Rocket-propelled grenade   Soviet Union

Aircraft inventory

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Two new Hal Do 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 2 helicopters. Recently, the GDF had ordered two Dornier Do-228 aircraft from Indian Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which were delivered on 1 April 2024.[35][36]

In early 2024, a plan was announced to among other things to buy some new helicopters.[37] One crashed in 2023, which, because only a few helicopters are operated represented a significant loss.

Current inventory

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Aircraft Origin Type Variant In service Notes
Transport
Cessna 206   United States Utility 1[4]
HAL 228   India Utility HAL 228 2[38][39] Delivery aboard IAF C-17 aircraft. Commissioned on 18 November 2024.[40]
Short Skyvan   United States Utility 2[41]
Super King Air   United States VIP transport 350 1[42]
Harbin Y-12   China Utility 1[4]
Helicopters
Bell 206   United States Utility 1[41]
Bell 412   United States Utility Bell 412EP 1[41]

Retired aircraft

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Previous notable aircraft operated by the Air Wing were the Cessna 182, Cessna 206, Embraer EMB 110, Helio Courier, Aérospatiale Alouette III, Bell 212, and the Mil Mi-8.[43]

Coast Guard

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The Peregrine, a Metal Shark small patrol boat of the Guyana 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.[44]

  • Metal Shark Boats patrol boats — (5) 28-foot Relentless, and (2) 38-foot Defiant.[45] The first three of the aluminum-hulled 28-foot boats were donated by the United States in March 2014.[46][47] In March 2017, two of the 38-foot boats were acquired.[45][48]
  • Metal Shark Boats offshore patrol vessel — one on order, scheduled for delivery in 2022.[49][26]

References

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  1. ^ DeRouen, Karl R. (2005). Defense and Security: A Compendium of National Armed Forces and Security Policies. ABC-CLIO. p. 116. ISBN 9781851097814.
  2. ^ GDF. "Where it all began". www.gdf.mil.gy.
  3. ^ "GDF".
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Roblin, Sébastien (15 December 2023). "Can the Guyana Defense Force Resist a Venezuelan Invasion?". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  5. ^ "South America: Guyana". The World Factbook. CIA. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  6. ^ "3 soldiers killed in explosion at Guyana military base – CityNews Toronto". toronto.citynews.ca. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  7. ^ "Guyana Defence Force". Global Security.
  8. ^ a b Granger, David (2009-02-15). "The defence of the New River, 1967–1969". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2023-12-01.
  9. ^ a b c Ishmael, Odeen (2013). The Trail of Diplomacy: The Guyana-Venezuela Border Issue. Odeen Ishmael. ISBN 9781493126552.
  10. ^ a b Braveboy-Wagner, Jacqueline Anne (2019). "SECOND PERIOD 1966-1970". The Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute: Britain's Colonial Legacy In Latin America. Routledge. ISBN 9781000306897.
  11. ^ GONZÁLEZ, Pedro. La Reclamación de la Guayana Esequiba. Caracas: Miguel A. García e hijo S.R.L. 1991.
  12. ^ "Guyana: De Rupununi a La Haya". En El Tapete (in Spanish). 4 July 2020. Retrieved 2021-03-13.
  13. ^ Kretchik, Walter E.; Baumann, Robert F.; Fishel, John T. (1998). Invasion, Intervention, "Intervasion": A Concise History of the U.S. Army in Operation Uphold Democracy (PDF). United States Army Command and General Staff College.
  14. ^ "U.S. Army, Guyana Defence Forces Strengthen Military Partnership". U.S. Embassy Guyana. 28 November 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  15. ^ Hernández, Osmary; Almánzar, Fernando; Alberti, Mia (December 2023). "Venezuela's president orders creation of new state and map including land from Guyana". Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  16. ^ "World Bank Open Data". World Bank Open Data. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  17. ^ "World Bank Open Data". World Bank Open Data. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  18. ^ Saballa, Joe (2024-02-13). "Guyana Wants New Choppers, Drones as Venezuela Tensions Soar". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  19. ^ "1st Infantry Battalion". GDF.
  20. ^ "About Band Corps". GDF. Archived from the original on 13 March 2018. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  21. ^ "History of Band Corps". GDF. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  22. ^ "About Medical Corps". GDF. Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 26 April 2021.
  23. ^ a b c d e f g h International Institute for Strategic Studies (15 February 2023). The Military Balance 2023 (1st ed.). Routledge. pp. 402–403. ISBN 978-1032508955.
  24. ^ "Trade Registers". Armstrade.sipri.org. Archived from the original on 2010-04-14. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
  25. ^ "Four US boats for Coast Guard to arrive by Monday", Stabroek News, 2001-06-02, archived from the original on 2022-01-05, retrieved 2022-05-01 – via 44ft Motor Lifeboats
  26. ^ a b Belgrave, Shervin (2021-06-15), "Govt. paying US company US$11.5M for boat to protect Guyana from invasion, piracy", Kaieteur News, archived from the original on 2022-05-01, retrieved 2022-05-01
  27. ^ "Guyana buys US$11.5M boat to protect Exxon's operations". Kaieteur News. 2023-11-08. Retrieved 2023-12-16.
  28. ^ Lawford, Clive, "U.S. Coast Guard 44350 – 44409", 44ft Motor Lifeboats, archived from the original on 2022-01-05, retrieved 2022-05-01
  29. ^ "Two new vessels commissioned as Government moves to recapitalise the Coast Guard – Office of the President". Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  30. ^ "Guyana Coast Guard". www.globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  31. ^ Editor, Staff (2024-04-21). "New patrol vessel arrives for GDF". Stabroek News. Retrieved 2024-07-15. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  32. ^ seepaul, Priya (2024-06-11). "President Ali Commissions GDFS Shahoud to Enhance Guyana's Maritime Security - Ministry of Home Affairs". Retrieved 2024-06-25.
  33. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Jones, Richard D., ed. (2009). Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 (35th ed.). Jane's Information Group. ISBN 978-0-7106-2869-5.
  34. ^ a b "Gallery – GDF". Retrieved 2023-12-02.
  35. ^ "India delivers two Dorniers to Guyana; New partnership begins". Financialexpress. 2024-04-01. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  36. ^ Herk, Hans van (29 January 2023). "Indian Do228s for Guyana". www.scramble.nl. Retrieved 2023-02-14.
  37. ^ Saballa, Joe (2024-02-13). "Guyana Wants New Choppers, Drones as Venezuela Tensions Soar". The Defense Post. Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  38. ^ "HAL delivers two Dornier 228 planes to Guyana Defence Force: President Ali". The Times of India. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  39. ^ "Dornier 228 planes: HAL delivers two Dornier 228 planes to Guyana Defence Force: Prez Ali". The Economic Times. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
  40. ^ "Guyana Officially Commissions Two Dornier Aircraft from India to Enhance Defence Capabilities". Financialexpress. 2024-11-18. Retrieved 2024-11-20.
  41. ^ a b c "World Air Forces 2025". Flightglobal Insight. 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
  42. ^ "New aircraft for the Guyana Defence Force". Scramble – Dutch Aviation Society. 9 July 2023. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  43. ^ "All-Time Aircraft Used List Guyana Defence Force". Aeroflight. 27 February 2017.
  44. ^ "Coast Guard History – GDF". Retrieved 2024-06-16.
  45. ^ a b Henry, Zena (2017-03-30), "GDF gets new patrol boats", Guyana Chronicle, archived from the original on 2017-03-30, retrieved 2022-05-01
  46. ^ "GDF gets three patrol boats from U.S valued $340M", Guyana Chronicle, 2014-03-21, archived from the original on 2019-10-08, retrieved 2021-10-15
  47. ^ "US 'Shark' boats to aid drug fight", Stabroek News, 2014-03-22, retrieved 2022-05-01
  48. ^ Khatoon, Bibi (2017-03-29), "GDF boosted with approximately $300M boat purchases", News Room Guyana, archived from the original on 2017-04-01, retrieved 2022-05-01
  49. ^ Chabrol, Denis (2021-06-14), "Guyana purchases US$11.5 million "purpose-built" Coast Guard vessel", Demerara Waves, archived from the original on 2021-06-14, retrieved 2022-05-01
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