Helicopters, long-range drone, offshore patrol vessel catered for in Army’s $42B budget

A massive $42.2 billion allocation for the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) was Tuesday approved by the Parliamentary Committee of Supply during consideration of the 2024 budget estimates.

The sum caters for the procurement of two aircraft, four helicopters, one long-range drone ($1.3 billion) and an offshore patrol vessel for the Coast Guard ($7 billion).

This spending would be part of “defence support initiatives” with India, Minister of Governance Gail Teixeira said when questioned by Opposition Parliamentarian Khemraj Ramjattan.

“This will be increasing our military infrastructure and equipment,” Teixeira said in outlining the spending when questioned.

Of the grand total for the GDF, $21.7 billion is for current expenditures while $20.5 billion will go towards capital spending, which includes spending on long-term assets.

Last year, the GDF was allocated $20.2 billion.