View source for Guyana Defence Force

{{Short description|Military forces of Guyana}}
{{Infobox national military
| name               = Guyana Defence Force
| native_name        =
| image              = Guyana Defence Force Crest.svg
| alt                = 
| caption            = GDF emblem
| image2             = Flag of the Guyana Defence Force.svg
| alt2               = 
| caption2           = Guyana Defence Force flag
| motto              = "SERVICE"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/about-us/history/where-it-all-began.html|title=Where it all began|last=GDF|website=www.gdf.mil.gy}}</ref>
| founded            = 1 November 1965 (''de facto'')<br />22 May 1966 (''de jure'')<ref>{{cite book |last1=DeRouen |first1=Karl R. |title=Defense and Security: A Compendium of National Armed Forces and Security Policies |date=2005 |publisher=ABC-CLIO |isbn=9781851097814 |page=116}}</ref>
| current_form       =
| disbanded          =
| branches           = {{ubl | Army | Air Corps | Coast Guard}}
| headquarters       =
| flying_hours       =
| website            = {{URL|http://www.gdf.mil.gy/|Official website}}
<!-- Leadership -->
| commander-in-chief = [[Irfaan Ali|Mohamed Irfaan Ali]]
| commander-in-chief_title = [[President of Guyana|Commander-in-Chief]]
| chief minister     =
| chief minister_title =
| minister           =
| minister_title     =
| chief_of_staff     = 
| chief_of_staff_title =
| commander          =  [[Omar Khan (military)|Omar Khan]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.gdf.mil.gy/about/ | title=GDF }}</ref>
| commander_title    = [[Chief of Defence Staff (Guyana)|Chief of Defence Staff]]
<!-- Manpower -->
| age                = 18 years of age
| conscription       = No
| manpower_data      = 
| active             = 3,400 (2023)<ref name="PopMech">{{cite news |last1=Roblin |first1=Sébastien |title=Can the Guyana Defense Force Resist a Venezuelan Invasion? |url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/a46091879/can-guyana-defense-force-resist-a-venezuelan-invasion/ |access-date=6 January 2024 |work=[[Popular Mechanics]] |date=15 December 2023}}</ref>
| manpower_age       = 
| available          = 
| available_f        =
| fit                =
| fit_f              =
| reaching           =
| reaching_f         =
| ranked             =
| reserve            = 670 (2023)<ref name="PopMech"/>
| amount             =
| percent_GDP        = 1.69% (2018)<ref>{{cite web |title=South America: Guyana |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/guyana/ |website=The World Factbook |publisher=CIA |access-date=6 April 2020 |date=15 March 2020}}</ref>
<!-- Industrial -->
| domestic_suppliers =
| foreign_suppliers  = {{hlist | [[United States]]<br>[[China]]<br>[[Japan]]<br>[[Brazil]]<br>[[United Kingdom]]<br>[[Poland]]<br>[[Bulgaria]]<br>[[Russia]]<br>[[Germany]]<br>[[Belgium]]<br>[[India]]}}
| imports            =
| exports            =
<!-- Related articles -->
| history            = [[Rupununi Uprising]]<br>[[Operation Uphold Democracy]]<br>[[2023 Guayana Esequiba crisis]]
| ranks              = [[Military ranks of Guyana]]
}}

The '''Guyana Defence Force''' ('''GDF''') is the military of [[Guyana]], established in 1965. It has military bases across the nation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=3 soldiers killed in explosion at Guyana military base – CityNews Toronto |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/04/30/3-soldiers-killed-in-explosion-at-guyana-military-base/ |access-date=17 August 2020 |website=toronto.citynews.ca|date=30 April 2020 }}</ref>  The Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force is always the incumbent [[President of Guyana]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Guyana Defence Force |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/caribbean/gy-gdf.htm |website=Global Security}}</ref> The branches include the Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard.

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

==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 Hati.

===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 [[United Kingdom|British]] instructors.

A survey party sent by the Surinamese government, which at the time was still under [[Suriname (Kingdom of the Netherlands)|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.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Granger |first=David |date=2009-02-15 |title=The defence of the New River, 1967–1969 |work=[[Stabroek News]] |url=https://www.stabroeknews.com/2009/02/15/features/the-defence-of-the-new-river-1967-1969/ |access-date=2023-12-01}}</ref>

On January 2, 1969, the [[Rupununi uprising]] by native [[Pemon]] and [[Wapishana]] led by [[Valerie Hart]], with reported support from [[Venezuela]],<ref name="PopMech"/> began with an attack against [[Lethem, Guyana|Lethem]], the capital of the [[Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo|Upper Takutu–Upper Essequibo]] region, resulting in the deaths of five police officers and two civilians and the destruction of Guyanese government buildings.<ref name=":423">{{Cite book |last=Ishmael |first=Odeen |title=The Trail of Diplomacy: The Guyana-Venezuela Border Issue |year=2013 |publisher=Odeen Ishmael |isbn=9781493126552}}</ref> The rebels locked townsfolk in their homes, blocked airstrips in the area, and took Guyanese government officials into their custody.<ref name=":032">{{Cite book |last=Braveboy-Wagner |first=Jacqueline Anne |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KgeiDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT102 |title=The Venezuela-Guyana Border Dispute: Britain's Colonial Legacy In Latin America |publisher=[[Routledge]] |year=2019 |isbn=9781000306897 |chapter=SECOND PERIOD 1966-1970}}</ref><ref name=":423"/> 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.<ref name=":032"/><ref name="SRL">GONZÁLEZ, Pedro. La Reclamación de la Guayana Esequiba. Caracas: Miguel A. García e hijo S.R.L. 1991.</ref> 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.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web |date=4 July 2020 |title=Guyana: De Rupununi a La Haya |url=https://www.eneltapete.com/historia/1407/guyana-de-rupununi-a-la-haya |access-date=2021-03-13 |website=En El Tapete |language=es}}</ref><ref name=":423"/>
[[File:Chief of Staff Omar Khan.jpg|left|thumb|239x239px|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.<ref name=":2" />

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]].<ref name=":04">{{Cite book |last1=Kretchik |first1=Walter E. |url=https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Portals/7/combat-studies-institute/csi-books/kretchikw.pdf |title=Invasion, Intervention, "Intervasion": A Concise History of the U.S. Army in Operation Uphold Democracy |last2=Baumann |first2=Robert F. |last3=Fishel |first3=John T. |publisher=[[United States Army Command and General Staff College]] |year=1998}}</ref>

===Twenty-first century===
[[File:US Navy 081111-N-3595W-103 Lt. Cmdr. Nathan Uebelhoer and a member of the Guyana Defense Force, work together unloading medical supplies.jpg|thumb|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 Security Force Assistance Brigade|1st SFAB]]) and the Guyana Defence Force would strengthen their military partnership.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Army, Guyana Defence Forces Strengthen Military Partnership |url=https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-army-guyana-defence-forces-strengthen-military-partnership/ |website=U.S. Embassy Guyana |date=28 November 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hernández |first1=Osmary |last2=Almánzar |first2=Fernando |last3=Alberti |first3=Mia |title=Venezuela's president orders creation of new state and map including land from Guyana |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/06/americas/venezuelas-president-orders-creation-of-new-state-and-map-including-land-from-guyana/index.html |access-date=7 December 2023 |date=December 2023}}</ref> 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.<ref name="PopMech" />

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.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=World Bank Open Data |url=https://data.worldbank.org/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=World Bank Open Data}}</ref> From 1990 to 2020, non-inflation adjusted currency the defense increased went from 142 thousand to 16 billion.<ref name="auto"/>

In early 2024, a plan was announced to procure more helicopters, a maritime defense vessel, and a drone.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Saballa |first=Joe |date=2024-02-13 |title=Guyana Wants New Choppers, Drones as Venezuela Tensions Soar |url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/02/13/guyana-military-choppers-drones/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=The Defense Post |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Roles and functions==
[[File: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|left|thumb|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 [[Volunteering|voluntary]] for [[Officer (armed forces)|officer]]s and [[soldier]]s. 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==
[[File:GDF Coast Guard flag (variant).svg|thumb|GDF Coast Guard flag]]
[[File:GDF Air Corps.svg|thumb|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===
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.<ref name=":1">{{cite web |title=1st Infantry Battalion | publisher = GDF |url= https://www.gdf.mil.gy/1st-infantry-batallion/ }}</ref>

===31 Special Forces Squadron===
The 31 Special Forces Squadron is a [[special forces]] group that is specialized in [[Airborne forces|airborne]], [[Jungle warfare|jungle]] and river warfare operations.<ref name="PopMech" />

===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.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Band Corps |url= http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/band-corps/about-band-corps.html |website=GDF |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180313024430/http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/band-corps/about-band-corps.html |archive-date=13 March 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Band Corps |url= http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/band-corps/history-of-band-corps.html |website=GDF |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171111205253/http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/band-corps/history-of-band-corps.html |archive-date=11 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===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.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Medical Corps |url = http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/medical-corps/about-medical-corps.html |website=GDF |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171108202831/http://www.gdf.mil.gy/index.php/units/medical-corps/about-medical-corps.html |archive-date=8 November 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Chief of Defence Staff===
{{main|Chief of Defence Staff (Guyana)}}

==Equipment==
Much of the equipment belonging to Guyana are [[Cold War era]] weapons, with some [[World War II]] armaments still supplied.<ref name="PopMech" /> 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 [[United States|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.<ref name="IISS2023">{{cite book |last1=International Institute for Strategic Studies |title=The Military Balance 2023 |date=15 February 2023 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1032508955 |edition=1st |pages=402–403 |author1-link=International Institute for Strategic Studies}}</ref>

===Armoured fighting vehicles===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!Quantity
!Details
|-
! colspan="5" |Reconnaissance
|-
|[[EE-9 Cascavel]]
|[[File:EE-9 Cascavel at Musée des Blindés, Saumur, France (53352496987).jpg|frameless]]
|{{Flag|Brazil}}
|~6
|only reported.<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|[[EE-11 Urutu]]
|[[File:EE-11 Urutu (7810225614).jpg|frameless]]
|{{Flag|Brazil}}
|24<ref name="PopMech" />
|MkIII variant, unknown if functional<ref name="PopMech" />
|}

===Armoured transport vehicles===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!Quantity
!Details
|-
|[[Shorland S52]]
|[[File:Land rover shorland S51.jpg|frameless|188x188px]]
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|5<ref name="trade">{{cite web |date= |title=Trade Registers |url=http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |accessdate=2015-01-01 |publisher=Armstrade.sipri.org |archive-date=2010-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414022558/http://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |url-status=dead }}</ref>
|<ref name="PopMech" />
|}

===Artillery===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!Calibre
!Quantity
!Details
|-
! colspan="6" |Towed
|-
|[[130 mm towed field gun M1954 (M-46)|M-46]]
|[[File:M-46 Lutsk.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|130mm
|~6
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
! colspan="6" |Multiple rocket systems
|-
|[[Type 63 multiple rocket launcher|Type 63]]
|[[File:H12 Type 63 multiple rocket launcher.JPG|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|China}}
|107mm
|6
|<ref name="PopMech" />
|-
! colspan="6" |Mortars
|-
|[[L16 81mm mortar|L16A1]]
|[[File:81mmMORT L16.png|219x219px]]
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|81mm
|~12
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |[[82-BM-37|M-43]]
| rowspan="2" |[[File:Zagan 82 mm moździerz wz 37.jpg|197x197px]]
| rowspan="2" |{{Flag|Soviet Union}}
|82mm
|~18
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|120mm
|~18
|<ref name="IISS2023" />
|}

===Patrol and coastal combatants===
{| class="wikitable"
!Model
!Image
!Origin
!Variant
!Quantity
!Acquired 
!Details
|-
! colspan="7" |PCO
|-
|GDFS ''Essequibo''
|[[File:HMS Orwell (M2011) Bay of Biscay 1990.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|[[River-class minesweeper]]<ref name="IISS2023" />
|~1
|2001<ref name="44MLB1">{{Citation |title=Four US boats for Coast Guard to arrive by Monday |date=2001-06-02 |url=https://www.44mlb.com/literature/us-coast-guard/coast-guard-boats-to-arrive-on-monday.html |work=[[Stabroek News]] |access-date=2022-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105165051/https://www.44mlb.com/literature/us-coast-guard/coast-guard-boats-to-arrive-on-monday.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2022-01-05 |via=44ft Motor Lifeboats}}</ref>
|Ship in poor condition<ref name="PopMech" /><ref name="KaieteurNews1">{{Citation |title=Govt. paying US company US$11.5M for boat to protect Guyana from invasion, piracy |date=2021-06-15 |url=https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2021/06/15/govt-paying-us-company-us11-5m-for-boat-to-protect-guyana-from-invasion-piracy/ |work=[[Kaieteur News]] |access-date=2022-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501194110/https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2021/06/15/govt-paying-us-company-us11-5m-for-boat-to-protect-guyana-from-invasion-piracy/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2022-05-01 |author1-first=Shervin |author1-last=Belgrave}}</ref><ref name=":02">{{Cite web |date=2023-11-08 |title=Guyana buys US$11.5M boat to protect Exxon's operations |url=https://www.kaieteurnewsonline.com/2023/11/08/guyana-buys-us11-5m-boat-to-protect-exxons-operations/ |access-date=2023-12-16 |website=[[Kaieteur News]] |language=en-US |author1=Knews }}</ref>
|-
! colspan="7" |Patrol boats
|-
|[[44-foot motor lifeboat|Barracuda]]
|[[File:Djibouti-PatrolBoat.jpg|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[44-foot motor lifeboat]]
|~4
|2001<ref name="44MLB2">{{Citation |title=U.S. Coast Guard 44350 – 44409 |url=https://www.44mlb.com/boat-info/uscg/44350-44409.html |work=44ft Motor Lifeboats |access-date=2022-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105164932/https://www.44mlb.com/boat-info/uscg/44350-44409.html |url-status=live |archive-date=2022-01-05 |author1-first=Clive |author1-last=Lawford}}</ref>
|ex-US Type-44.<ref name="IISS2023" />
|-
|GDFS ''1033'' (GDFS ''Peregrine'') & GDFS ''1034''
| [[File:Image_unavailable.png|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Defiant-class patrol vessel|38 Defiant-class patrol vessel]]s
|2
|2017
|Commissioned in March, 2017.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Two new vessels commissioned as Government moves to recapitalise the Coast Guard – Office of the President |url=https://op.gov.gy/index.php/2017/03/29/two-new-vessels-commissioned-as-government-moves-to-recapitalise-the-coast-guard/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Guyana Coast Guard |url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/caribbean/gy-coast-guard.htm |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=www.globalsecurity.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Editor |first=Staff |date=2024-04-21 |title=New patrol vessel arrives for GDF |url=https://www.stabroeknews.com/2024/04/21/news/guyana/new-patrol-vessel-arrives-for-gdf/ |access-date=2024-07-15 |website=Stabroek News |language=en-us}}</ref>
|-
|GDFS ''Shahoud''
| [[File:Image_unavailable.png|150x150px]]
|{{Flag|United States}}
|[[Defiant-class patrol vessel|115 Defiant-class patrol vessel]]s
|1
|2024
|Commissioned in June, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=seepaul |first=Priya |date=2024-06-11 |title=President Ali Commissions GDFS Shahoud to Enhance Guyana's Maritime Security – Ministry of Home Affairs |url=https://moha.gov.gy/president-ali-commissions-gdfs-shahoud-to-enhance-guyanas-maritime-security/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}

===Small arms===
{| class="wikitable" style="width:90%;"
|-
! width=16%| Name
! width=10%| Image
! width=15%| Caliber
! width=12%| Type
! width=10%| Origin
! width=28%| Notes
|-
! colspan="6"| Pistols
|-
| [[Walther PPK]]<ref name="jones2009">{{cite book |title=Jane's Infantry Weapons 2009/2010 |editor-first=Richard D. |editor-last=Jones |year=2009 |edition=35th |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=978-0-7106-2869-5}}</ref>
| [[File:1972 Walther PP.jpg|150px]]
| [[.32 ACP]]
| [[Semi-automatic pistol]]
| {{Flag|Germany}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Submachine guns
|-
| [[Sten]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:STEN MK II submachinegun.png|150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 
|-
| [[Sterling submachine gun|Sterling]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Sterling SMG2.JPG|150x150px]]
| [[9×19mm]]
| [[Submachine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Rifles
|-
| [[SKS]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Semi-automatic rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union|1936}}
| 
|-
| [[AKM]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:AKM automatkarbin Ryssland - 7,62x39mm - Armémuseum rightside noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|-
| [[Type 63 assault rifle|Type 63]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Rifle Type 63 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| 
|-
| [[Type 56 assault rifle|Type 56]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Type 56 mod02 noBG.png|150x150px]]
| [[7.62×39mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| 
|-
| [[M16 rifle|M16]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:M16A2 rightside noBG.jpg|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| 
|-
| [[FAMAS]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Gallery – GDF |url=https://www.gdf.mil.gy/gallery/ |access-date=2023-12-02 |language=en-US}}</ref>
| [[File:Rifles FAMAS.jpg|frameless|149x149px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|France}}
|
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch G36]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Gewehr G36 noBG.png|150px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Assault rifle]]
| {{Flag|Germany}}
| 
|-
| [[FN FAL]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:FN-FAL belgian noBG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
|
|-
| [[Heckler & Koch G3]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:H&K G3FS.jpg|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Battle rifle]]
| {{Flag|West Germany}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6"| Machine guns
|-
| [[Bren light machine gun|Bren]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Bren LMG.jpg|150x150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{Flag|United Kingdom}}
|   
|-
| [[FN Minimi]]<ref name=":3" />
| [[File:FN MINIMI Standard Right.jpg|frameless|152x152px]]
| [[5.56×45mm]]
| [[Light machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
|
|-
| [[FN MAG]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:IDF-FN-MAG.png|150px]]
| [[7.62×51mm]]
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|Belgium}}
| 
|-
| [[AA-52 machine gun|AA-52]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Mitrailleuse-IMG 1728.jpg|150px]]
| |[[7.62×51mm]] 
| [[General-purpose machine gun]]
| {{Flag|France}}
| 
|-
! colspan="6" |Surface-to-air missiles
|-
| [[9K32 Strela-2]]
| [[File:SA-7.jpg|150x150px]]
| 72mm
| [[Surface-to-air missile]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 18<ref name="PopMech" />
|-
! colspan="6"| Rocket propelled grenade launchers
|-
| [[RPG-7]]<ref name="jones2009"/>
| [[File:Rpg-7.jpg|150px]]
| 40mm
| [[Rocket-propelled grenade]]
| {{Flag|Soviet Union}}
| 
|}

==Aircraft inventory==
[[File:Do228NG - RIAT 2012 (18649688613).jpg|thumb|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-2 Islander|Britten-Norman BN-2A Islander]] were delivered over a five-year period in the 1970s and then were supplemented by [[Short SC.7 Skyvan|Short Skyvans]] series 3Ms in 1979. In 1986 3 Mil Mi-8 were delivered. The GDF currently operates 8 [[Fixed-wing aircraft|fixed-wing]] aircraft and 2 [[helicopter]]s. Recently, the GDF had ordered two [[Dornier 228|Dornier Do-228]] aircraft from Indian Manufacturer [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited|Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd]], which were delivered on 1 April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-01 |title=India delivers two Dorniers to Guyana; New partnership begins |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-india-delivers-two-dorniers-to-guyana-new-partnership-begins-3443244/ |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Herk |first=Hans van |title=Indian Do228s for Guyana |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/indian-do228s-for-guyana |access-date=2023-02-14 |website=www.scramble.nl |date=29 January 2023 |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In early 2024, a plan was announced to among other things to buy some new helicopters.<ref name="auto1"/> One crashed in 2023, which, because only a few helicopters are operated represented a significant loss.

===Current inventory===
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align: left;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: left;"|Origin
! style="text-align: left;"|Type
! style="text-align: left;"|Variant
! style="text-align: left;"|In service
! style="text-align: left;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Cessna 206]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| Utility
|
| 1<ref name="PopMech" />
|
|-
| [[Dornier 228|HAL 228]]
| {{Flag|India}}
| Utility
|HAL 228
|2<ref>{{Cite news |title=  HAL delivers two Dornier 228 planes to Guyana Defence Force: President Ali|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hal-delivers-two-dornier-228-planes-to-guyana-defence-force-president-ali/articleshow/108953265.cms |access-date=2024-04-02 |newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Dornier 228 planes: HAL delivers two Dornier 228 planes to Guyana Defence Force: Prez Ali |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hal-delivers-two-dornier-228-planes-to-guyana-defence-force-prez-ali/articleshow/108952559.cms |access-date=2024-04-02 |website=[[The Economic Times]]}}</ref>
| Delivery aboard [[Indian Air Force|IAF]] [[C-17 Globemaster III|C-17]] aircraft. Commissioned on 18 November 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-11-18 |title=Guyana Officially Commissions Two Dornier Aircraft from India to Enhance Defence Capabilities |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-guyana-officially-commissions-two-dornier-aircraft-from-india-to-enhance-defence-capabilities-3668193/ |access-date=2024-11-20 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Short SC.7 Skyvan|Short Skyvan]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| Utility 
| 
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507|title = World Air Forces 2025|publisher= Flightglobal Insight|year= 2024 |doi = |accessdate= 26 December 2024|url-access=registration}}</ref>
| 
|-
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Super King Air]] 
| {{Flag|United States}}
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air#Variants|350]]
| 1<ref name="New aircraft">{{cite web |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/new-aircraft-for-the-guyana-defence-force |title=New aircraft for the Guyana Defence Force |date=9 July 2023 |accessdate=10 July 2023 |publisher=Scramble – Dutch Aviation Society}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Harbin Y-12]]
| {{Flag|China}}
| Utility
|
| 1<ref name="PopMech" />
|
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center;" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| [[Bell 206]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| [[Utility helicopter|Utility]] 
|
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> 
|
|-
| [[Bell 412]]
| {{Flag|United States}}
| Utility
| Bell 412EP
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/> 
|
|}

===Retired aircraft===
Previous notable aircraft operated by the Air Wing were the [[Cessna 182 Skylane|Cessna 182]], [[Cessna 206]], [[Embraer EMB 110 Bandeirante|Embraer EMB 110]], [[Helio Courier]], [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]], [[Bell 212]], and the [[Mil Mi-8]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aeroflight.co.uk/user/every/guyana-df-all-time-aircraft-list.htm |title=All-Time Aircraft Used List Guyana Defence Force |date=27 February 2017 |publisher=Aeroflight}}</ref>

==Coast Guard==
[[File:Guyana Coast Guard - Peregrine.jpg|thumb|The ''Peregrine'', a [[Metal Shark Boats|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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Coast Guard History – GDF |url=https://www.gdf.mil.gy/coast-guard/ |access-date=2024-06-16 |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Metal Shark Boats patrol boats — (5) 28-foot Relentless, and (2) 38-foot Defiant.<ref name="GuyanaChronicle1">{{Citation|author1-first =Zena|author1-last=Henry|title=GDF gets new patrol boats|work= Guyana Chronicle |date=2017-03-30|url = https://guyanachronicle.com/2017/03/30/gdf-gets-new-patrol-boats-president-says-govt-will-provide-assets-to-suppress-illegal-activities/|access-date=2022-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170330093929/https://guyanachronicle.com/2017/03/30/gdf-gets-new-patrol-boats-president-says-govt-will-provide-assets-to-suppress-illegal-activities/ |archive-date=2017-03-30|url-status=live}}</ref> The first three of the aluminum-hulled 28-foot boats were donated by the United States in March 2014.<ref name="GuyanaChronicle2">{{Citation|title= GDF gets three patrol boats from U.S valued $340M|work=[[Guyana Chronicle]] |date=2014-03-21|url=https://guyanachronicle.com/2014/03/21/gdf-gets-three-patrol-boats-from-u-s-valued-340m/|access-date=2021-10-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008140924/https://guyanachronicle.com/2014/03/21/gdf-gets-three-patrol-boats-from-u-s-valued-340m/|archive-date=2019-10-08 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="StabroekNews1">{{Citation|title=US 'Shark' boats to aid drug fight|work= Stabroek News |date =2014-03-22 |url=https://www.stabroeknews.com/2014/03/22/news/guyana/us-shark-boats-aid-drug-fight/|access-date=2022-05-01}}</ref> In March 2017, two of the 38-foot boats were acquired.<ref name="GuyanaChronicle1" /><ref name="NewsRoomGuyana1">{{Citation|author1-first=Bibi|author1-last= Khatoon|title=GDF boosted with approximately $300M boat purchases|work=[[News Room Guyana]] |date= 2017-03-29|url=https://newsroom.gy/2017/03/29/gdf-marine-wing-boosted-with-almost-300m-boat-purchases/ |access-date=2022-05-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401052106/https://newsroom.gy/2017/03/29/gdf-marine-wing-boosted-with-almost-300m-boat-purchases/ |archive-date=2017-04-01|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Metal Shark Boats offshore patrol vessel — one on order, scheduled for delivery in 2022.<ref name="DemeraraWaves1">{{Citation |title=Guyana purchases US$11.5 million "purpose-built" Coast Guard vessel |date=2021-06-14 |url=https://demerarawaves.com/2021/06/14/guyana-purchases-us11-5-million-purpose-built-coast-guard-vessel/ |work=[[Demerara Waves]] |access-date=2022-05-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614215710/https://demerarawaves.com/2021/06/14/guyana-purchases-us11-5-million-purpose-built-coast-guard-vessel/ |url-status=live |archive-date=2021-06-14 |author1-first=Denis |author1-last=Chabrol}}</ref><ref name="KaieteurNews1" />

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.gdf.mil.gy/}}

{{Clear}}
{{Guyana topics}}
{{Military of South America}}
{{Coast guards}}

[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1965]]
[[Category:Military of Guyana| ]]
[[Category:Guyana–Venezuela crisis (2023–present)]]