Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets.&nbsp;

This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military.

WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two&nbsp;years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. &nbsp;

WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India.

WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas.

WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a&nbsp;country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank.

WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have.&nbsp;

WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage.

WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? 
Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.&nbsp;

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities.

Guyana's Chief of the Defence Staff, Brigadier Godfrey Bess, has said that the country is looking to purchase the Dornier aircraft from India in a bid to build its capacity in the area of troop movement and disaster-related activities. In an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Brigadier Bess said, "we looked at one of such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have." He added that the initial focus of the defence cooperation between the two countries will be on air assets. This announcement comes after Guyana's President, Dr Irfaan Ali, expressed his country's interest in buying Indian defence equipment during an interview with WION last month. The Chief of defence staff is currently in India to participate in Aero India in Bangalore and held talks with his Indian counterpart. In the interview, he also pointed to training being provided by India to the Guyanese military. WION: What kind of cooperation is there between India and Guyana when it comes to the Defence relationship? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: The government and people of Guyana are very thankful to India for the invitation to this conference. Since I have been here, we are enjoying the hospitality of the people of India and the conference has been an eye opener. I must say that Guyana and India have had a very long diplomatic relationship and as a result of that, we have been traditionally doing things together. Regarding defence, over the last two years, there has been a tremendous improvement in our relations, and presently we have been doing a lot of training, building human capacity, and collaborating with the military of India. We plan to increase that collaboration so that we can continue to prepare our defence force for greater things, particularly since Guyana has been known to be the fastest-growing economy. We have ensured there is a conducive environment for investors and the people of Guyana. We do recognize we need to build capacity and capabilities regarding defence and security and we do see India as a very strategic partner in this regard. We do recognise based on PM Modi's speech of India's need and willingness to collaborate with all countries to ensure that our defence structure is built stronger. WION: What can you tell us about the training of your military by India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Well, my military is very small, and needs capacity building. In the last two years, we have seen extensive training in the military, in information tech enhancement, and involved my commissioned and non-commissioned officers. We are taking Indian training and it has enhanced the capacity back home in Guyana. Training has done very well for us so far. We will continue to enjoy those training and we would like, open to inviting trainers to Guyana so that we can continue to build and share the experience we have in Guyana with India. WION: Last month, your President spoke to WION and said that his country is keen to buy Indian defence equipment. Can you elaborate on that? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: There is an MoU, meant to be signed by the two sides, indeed I do see our defence cooperation enlarged. Presently, we are looking at the proposal, as it relates to air assets and naval assets for our country and for sure, as we continue to collaborate having gone around the exhibition, over the last two days, there are a lot of other assets and capabilities that Guyana will be interested. I do feel a lot of positivity as it relates to growth in our defence areas. WION: Are you looking at Including Dornier, fast patrol vessels? and so far, have you brought Indian defence equipment? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, exactly those are some of the options we are actively looking at. Well, we have not bought defence equipment thus far; we have purchased other infrastructure equipment. Recently our government purchased a ferry from India, and in years gone by we have been very good customers for TATA. We purchased transportation equipment from the country. We have been collaborating on a country-to-country basis, mainly in the area of medical science and technology and other areas. Business with India is no strange activity with Guyana, we have lines of credit and there have also been agreements between my government and India Exim Bank. WION: What kind of air assets are you looking for from India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: In the beginning, we are looking at air assets that would build our capacity in the area of moving our troops across the country and I would say disaster-related activities. We looked at one such aircraft, a Dornier, and it is actually suiting the capability we would like to have. WION: So, you will be keen on a Dornier with India? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: Yes, in the initial stage. WION: What kind of conversation you had with your Indian counterpart? Brigadier Godfrey Bess: I had conversations with some of the persons from the private sector and am looking at options. I had a conversation with the Indian chief of defence staff and spoke about increasing cooperation and working together as a partner, partners with similar challenges and interests which will improve our relationship.

Exclusive | Guyana looking to get Dornier from India in first such major defence deal

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries.&nbsp;

The aircraft will help the country in Maritime &amp; exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster and medical relief. It will be especially helpful for the Maldivians in the northern atolls and also identifying foreign vessels, something that has increased presence in the Indian Ocean Region.

Speaking exclusively to WION, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi said, "As a country with over 99 per cent of its territory covered by the sea we have always worked together with our friends across the ocean to protect our domestic interests from pirates, drug smugglers and poachers. Our national defence forces are the first responders in search and rescue operations and in providing humanitarian relief as per law and by duty."

"The request for a Dornier initiated by the former administration in 2016 which we saw materialize today will go a long way in increasing our capacity to tackle these challenges. It’s a colossal milestone in defence relations and adds a new chapter to the continued cooperation between our two countries."

All in all, the Dornier will in the command and control of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and will be flown with MNDF flag and colours. Maldivian pilots have been training on it since 2017.&nbsp;

Maldives National Defence Force release said it will be, "used in surveillance and monitoring of Maldivian waters, monitoring Maldivian maritime fishing grounds and identifying foreign vessels, in anti-drug (and other illegal substances) and human trafficking operations, as well as in search and rescue missions and to provide humanitarian assistance."

It was in 2016, that the request for a Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft was raised during the visit of the then President Yameen of the Maldives to India, after the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih government of Maldives was able to fast track it.&nbsp;

It comes even as India and Maldives have been doing joint surveillance of exclusive economic zone in which the aircraft will be helpful. Since 2009 both Maldivian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have conducted 54 joint aerial surveillance operations to safeguard Maldivian waters.

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries.

The Maldives received Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft by Indian Navy on Tuesday, which has been termed as a "colossal milestone" between the defence ties of the two countries. The aircraft will help the country in Maritime & exclusive economic zone (EEZ) surveillance, humanitarian assistance, disaster and medical relief. It will be especially helpful for the Maldivians in the northern atolls and also identifying foreign vessels, something that has increased presence in the Indian Ocean Region. Speaking exclusively to WION, Maldives Defense minister Mariya Didi said, "As a country with over 99 per cent of its territory covered by the sea we have always worked together with our friends across the ocean to protect our domestic interests from pirates, drug smugglers and poachers. Our national defence forces are the first responders in search and rescue operations and in providing humanitarian relief as per law and by duty." "The request for a Dornier initiated by the former administration in 2016 which we saw materialize today will go a long way in increasing our capacity to tackle these challenges. It’s a colossal milestone in defence relations and adds a new chapter to the continued cooperation between our two countries." All in all, the Dornier will in the command and control of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and will be flown with MNDF flag and colours. Maldivian pilots have been training on it since 2017. Maldives National Defence Force release said it will be, "used in surveillance and monitoring of Maldivian waters, monitoring Maldivian maritime fishing grounds and identifying foreign vessels, in anti-drug (and other illegal substances) and human trafficking operations, as well as in search and rescue missions and to provide humanitarian assistance." It was in 2016, that the request for a Dornier Maritime Surveillance aircraft was raised during the visit of the then President Yameen of the Maldives to India, after the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih government of Maldives was able to fast track it. It comes even as India and Maldives have been doing joint surveillance of exclusive economic zone in which the aircraft will be helpful. Since 2009 both Maldivian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have conducted 54 joint aerial surveillance operations to safeguard Maldivian waters.

Colossal milestone, says Maldives defence minister as India's gift Dornier surveillance aircraft reaches the country

An Indian Air Force plane carrying 29 military personnel to a remote island chain in the Bay of Bengal went missing on Friday, the military said.&nbsp;The AN-32 was on its way to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands, from the southeast city of Chennai when it disappeared from radar. 
 
A navy spokesman told Reuters surveillance planes and ships were searching for the aircraft. It was carrying service personnel to the strategic islands near the Malacca Straits, where India has a military base. 
 
The last contact with the plane, which was carrying six crew members, was made around 15 minutes after take-off from the southern Indian city of Chennai, air force spokesman told AFP. 
 
The Navy has pressed into service two Dornier aircraft and 13 ships with the Eastern Fleet Commander on board for the search and rescue operation 200 knot mile from east of Chennai.&nbsp; 
 
While IAF has pressed into service a C130 plane along with two AN32, the Navy has deployed two P8i maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the strategically important Port Blair. 
 
Navy spokesperson Captain D K Sharma said, &quot;Navy has been deployed in full force in the Bay of Bengal for the search and rescue operation&quot;.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, Coast Guard said their reconnaissance Dornier aircraft has reached the site from where the IAF plane had sent the signals for the last time. 
 
&quot;Our Dornier (plane) has reached the site where the signals were sent by the (IAF) aircraft for the last time. We are looking for clues,&quot; said a senior Coast Guard official. 
 
Coast Guard has rushed four ships--ICGS Sagar and Samudra Pehredar from Chennai and ICGS Rajshree and ICGS Rajveer from Port Blair--to the spot. 
 
Another ships ICGS Vishwasth has been on stand-by at Prot Blair. 
 
&quot;The ships should reach the spot by night. But the rough sea is making the operations difficult,&quot; the official added.&nbsp; 
 
Ministry of defence statement 
&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Full scale Search &amp; Rescue launched to look for IAF AN 32 overdue at Port Blair since 1130 hrs. Max assets being deployed at earliest.
&mdash; DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpokespersonMoD/status/756411001768140800">July 22, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="~/platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript"></script> 
&quot;A search operation is on. The plane was airborne at 8:30 am (0300 GMT)and was supposed to land at Port Blair at 11:30,&quot; Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee said. 
 
Defence sources said the plane was at about 23,000 feet when the last contact was established. 
 
Known as the &#39;Sutlej&#39; in the IAF, the An-32 is the workhorse of the transport fleet travelling to far-off bases such as Leh, Thoise, Kargil, other northern high-altitude areas in Ladakh and a number of ALGs (Advanced Landing Grounds) such as Mechuka, Along, Walong and Vijaynagar in the eastern sector in Arunachal Pradesh and adjoining areas to deliver much-needed supplies to the Army outposts. In the recent years, IAF&rsquo;s An-32s have expanded their operations by landing at more remote airstrips such as Nyoma and, even DBO (Daulat Beg Oldie) in Aksai Chin. 
 
(Agencies)&nbsp;

Four coast guard ships, a submarine and two Dornier aircraft deployed for search operations in Bay of Bengal

An Indian Air Force plane carrying 29 military personnel to a remote island chain in the Bay of Bengal went missing on Friday, the military said. The AN-32 was on its way to Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar chain of islands, from the southeast city of Chennai when it disappeared from radar. A navy spokesman told Reuters surveillance planes and ships were searching for the aircraft. It was carrying service personnel to the strategic islands near the Malacca Straits, where India has a military base. The last contact with the plane, which was carrying six crew members, was made around 15 minutes after take-off from the southern Indian city of Chennai, air force spokesman told AFP. The Navy has pressed into service two Dornier aircraft and 13 ships with the Eastern Fleet Commander on board for the search and rescue operation 200 knot mile from east of Chennai. While IAF has pressed into service a C130 plane along with two AN32, the Navy has deployed two P8i maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft from the strategically important Port Blair. Navy spokesperson Captain D K Sharma said, "Navy has been deployed in full force in the Bay of Bengal for the search and rescue operation". Meanwhile, Coast Guard said their reconnaissance Dornier aircraft has reached the site from where the IAF plane had sent the signals for the last time. "Our Dornier (plane) has reached the site where the signals were sent by the (IAF) aircraft for the last time. We are looking for clues," said a senior Coast Guard official. Coast Guard has rushed four ships--ICGS Sagar and Samudra Pehredar from Chennai and ICGS Rajshree and ICGS Rajveer from Port Blair--to the spot. Another ships ICGS Vishwasth has been on stand-by at Prot Blair. "The ships should reach the spot by night. But the rough sea is making the operations difficult," the official added. Ministry of defence statement Full scale Search & Rescue launched to look for IAF AN 32 overdue at Port Blair since 1130 hrs. Max assets being deployed at earliest. — DPR (@SpokespersonMoD) July 22, 2016 "A search operation is on. The plane was airborne at 8:30 am (0300 GMT)and was supposed to land at Port Blair at 11:30," Wing Commander Anupam Banerjee said. Defence sources said the plane was at about 23,000 feet when the last contact was established. Known as the 'Sutlej' in the IAF, the An-32 is the workhorse of the transport fleet travelling to far-off bases such as Leh, Thoise, Kargil, other northern high-altitude areas in Ladakh and a number of ALGs (Advanced Landing Grounds) such as Mechuka, Along, Walong and Vijaynagar in the eastern sector in Arunachal Pradesh and adjoining areas to deliver much-needed supplies to the Army outposts. In the recent years, IAF’s An-32s have expanded their operations by landing at more remote airstrips such as Nyoma and, even DBO (Daulat Beg Oldie) in Aksai Chin. (Agencies)

Search for Indian Air Force plane with 29 on board ongoing

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