The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) marked a significant milestone in strengthening national security with the commissioning of a newly modernized hangar at the Eugene F. Correia International Airport, Ogle, East Coast Demerara. The facility, a revamped former Guysuco structure, represents a strategic upgrade to enhance operational readiness and safeguard Guyana’s airspace.
President and Commander in Chief, Dr. Irfaan Ali, underscored the hangar’s symbolic and functional importance during the ceremony. “This is not just a building—it is a statement that Guyana is prepared, our Defence Force is evolving, and our air domain will remain secure,” he declared. Overhauled over 13 months, the facility now supports the GDF’s expanding fleet of helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, enabling advanced maintenance, storage, and 24/7 emergency response capabilities. These upgrades are critical for medevac missions, search-and-rescue operations, and rapid deployment in crises.
President Ali emphasized that the project aligns with Guyana’s National Development Strategy, linking security infrastructure to broader economic growth. He highlighted the Air Corps’ expanding humanitarian and law enforcement roles, noting that diversification of both the economy and the Defence Force’s capabilities are interconnected. “This facility enhances operability and integration,” he stated, stressing that national security is “not an expense, but an investment.” To this end, the government has allocated over $400 million to develop human capacity within the Air Corps and is prioritizing cutting-edge technology to bolster threat detection and deterrence. “A strong nation must have the means to protect itself. We invest not for aggression, but for stability—a secure Guyana is a stable Guyana,” he affirmed.
Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier Omar Khan, MSS, echoed the President’s vision, framing the hangar as a cornerstone of the GDF’s transformational agenda. He thanked President Ali for prioritizing both equipment modernization and the “ecosystem” needed to sustain operational growth. Brigadier Khan noted that with this development, the GDF will now operate out of the country’s two international airports, leveraging proximity to the maritime sector—a vital operational domain. Collaboration with the private aviation industry at Ogle, he added, will unlock synergies, particularly in search-and-rescue operations.
The GDF’s presence at Ogle will also enhance interagency coordination, integrating aviation support for the Guyana Police Force and other law enforcement bodies. “This hangar broadens our operational spectrum and serves as a force multiplier,” Brigadier Khan explained, urging personnel to maximize the facility’s potential. He commended all contributors to the project, calling on pilots, engineers, and support staff to uphold the mission’s demands with professionalism.
