JDF Air Wing to Receive Equipment by Year-End

Minister of National Security, Peter Phillips, has said that the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) Air Wing will receive some much-needed equipment by the end of the year.
While not revealing the type of equipment to be provided and at what cost, Dr. Phillips stated that the move was a testament of the government’s commitment to the organization and was in keeping with the modernization programme outlined in the JDF’s Strategic Defence Review, which was approved by Cabinet and tabled in Parliament.
“This review provides for a redesign of the structure of headquarters to improve command and control, and to more effectively administer the component parts of the force,” Dr. Phillips informed, as he addressed the opening of the newly constructed JDF Delta Company Burke Barracks in Montego Bay, on Saturday (Aug.19).
The review also provides for three new patrol vessels for the Coast Guard, two of which were delivered recently.
The National Security Minister outlined that the provision of new equipment for the JDF Air Wing, would significantly improve the efficiency of that section. In addition, he said, the Jamaica Military Aviation School, which is slated to get underway soon, would considerably enhance the availability of technical personnel and expertise for the JDF.
Dr. Phillips also mentioned that several other infrastructural improvement projects now taking place at the various JDF bases, which he said, were part of the JDF’s modernization programme.