THE Andrew Holness-led Administration is taking steps to improve the country’s border security.

National Security Minister Robert Montague has announced that his Government is spending US$11 billion to, among other things, obtain six additional helicopters and four aircraft for the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).

The helicopters, which come with five years’ supply of spare parts and maintenance service, are being acquired at a cost of US$47.4 million.

The four aircraft are being acquired for an additional US$1.58 million.

In a release on Wednesday, Montague said the current JDF helicopter fleet is nearly 20 years old, noting that industry standards recommend replacement between seven and 10 years.

He says a surveillance plane has also been purchased at a cost of US$16.9 million and is now being outfitted with a suite of equipment.

The security minister said the surveillance plane will be commissioned into service later this year.

Last year, two ships were acquired at a cost of US$26.4 million for the JDF Coast Guard.

He noted that more than 850 illegal guns and nearly 22,000 rounds of ammunition were seized by the security forces last year.

The country’s 145 illegal points of entry offer a gateway for guns, ammunition as well as ‘un-customed’ goods to enter the island.

Montague said the money being spent on border security is part of the Government’s five-pillar crime reduction strategy.

— CMC