The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force is set to receive a boost with the addition of another aircraft to its air wing.

The ‘Alpha 2’ is a nine-seater aircraft and is one of two in the ABDF’s fleet. According to Lieutenant Colonel Alando Michael, the aircraft will be able to carry out various duties, including medevac services, movement of troops, humanitarian disaster recovery, and search and rescue efforts.

The new addition will allow for versatility, enabling the ABDF to handle multiple situations at the same time.

For example, the aircraft can transport patients for medical emergencies while simultaneously handling other tasks.

The aircraft will also be utilized to transport heads of government when commercial flights are not available.

The ABDF’s air wing provides services not only to Antigua and Barbuda but also to the 11 other countries of the Regional Security System (RSS). An air wing is a military aircraft unit that may consist of several aircraft.

A medevac refers to the transportation of a sick or injured person to a hospital via a helicopter or plane.

The RSS was established in the early 1980s with the aim of ensuring stability and well-being in member countries while also fostering regional security.

The RSS includes 12 countries, namely Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Dominica, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Barbados.