Ghana Air Force receives newly acquired Airbus H175 helicopter from France

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The new Airbus H175 helicopter

The Ghana Air Force has received the newly acquired Airbus H175 helicopter from France, marking a significant step in the ongoing modernisation and retooling of its operational fleet.

The acquisition forms part of a broader defence procurement programme approved by Parliament to enhance the operational capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces.

According to the Ghana Air Force, the state-of-the-art helicopter was ferried from Marignane, France and arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, 5 March 2026.  

The Ghana Air Force, in a news story, wrote, “The arrival of the H175 forms part of a wider aircraft procurement initiative approved by Parliament, which includes the acquisition of one H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters as well as a Falcon 6X long-range aircraft from Dassault Aviation. The programme is intended to address the operational limitations associated with the Air Force’s ageing fleet while significantly improving mission readiness and operational flexibility”.

Upon arrival at the Air Force Base in Accra, the aircraft was given a water cannon salute.  A water cannon salute is a ceremonial tradition in aviation where airport fire trucks spray arcs of water over an aircraft, creating a tunnel or arch of water as the aircraft taxis underneath.

It is widely used in military and civil aviation for a new aircraft arriving at an airport or joining a fleet. The water salute represents a formal welcome and celebration and it signifies that the aircraft has officially joined the Air Force or airport operations. The aircraft was then consecrated by the clergy led by the Director General of Religious Affairs, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood”.

The Ghana Air Force story further detailed, The aircraft was received by the Acting Minster for Defence, Hon Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon Kwame Governs Agbodza the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon Ernest Brogya Gyenfi, the Deputy Head of Mission, French Embassy, His Excellency Raphael Pont, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, Chief of Staff and senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of the acquisition and highlighted the strong and enduring defence cooperation between Ghana and France.

The addition of the Airbus H175 is expected to significantly enhance the Ghana Air Force’s operational capability across a wide range of missions, including search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and troop and logistics transport. Equipped with advanced avionics, extended operational range, and increased payload capacity, the aircraft provides improved endurance, flexibility, and rapid response capability in addressing both conventional and emerging security challenges”.

The news comes following the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, some months ago, which announced that the government of Ghana had placed an order for multi-mission Airbus helicopters.

Airbus Helicopters announced that it had secured a contract from Ghana’s Ministry of Defence for the supply of four helicopters.

They identified the helicopters as two H175Ms, one ACH175, and one ACH160.

“Airbus revealed that under the agreement, two H175Ms will be deployed as multi-mission helicopters to support transport, search and rescue operations, emergency medical services, and disaster relief.

The ACH175 and ACH160 will be used primarily for transport duties”, citinews stated.

Arnaud Montalvo, Head of Africa and the Middle East Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated, “The commitment from Ghana marks the return of Airbus Helicopters to the country with a defined focus on customer support and partnership”.

“We are particularly excited that the H175M will be operated in Ghana, demonstrating the aircraft’s versatility across defence and security missions. This key deal also makes Ghana a leading customer in West Africa for our premium corporate helicopters, the ACH160 and ACH175,” Mr. Montalvo added.

It will be recalled that Finance Minister Ato Forson announced that the government will commence the procurement of four helicopters and two aircraft for the Ghana Air Force.

Presenting the 2026 Budget Statement to Parliament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, Mr Forson stated, “The Ghana Air Force will be retooled. Beginning in 2026, the Government of Ghana will initiate procurement processes for the acquisition of four modern helicopters, one long-range aircraft, and one medium-range aircraft. These are expected to be delivered within four years, provided the procurement is finalised in 2026”.

“In 2026, the government will procure two 72-meter Offshore Patrol Vessels equipped with helipads and combat systems. These vessels will enable the Navy to conduct long-endurance patrols, safeguard the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), prevent maritime crimes, protect critical offshore infrastructure, and support bunkering and oil field security operations,” he noted.

The news comes following Captain Paul Forjoe, a member of the investigative committee probing the tragic military helicopter crash on August 6, who has revealed that the crash report recommends that the Ghana Armed Forces acquire modern helicopters and a training simulator.

According to the investigative committee report, the Air Force must invest in simulators for recurrent pilot training.

He further added that Ghana contracts certified aviation weather providers and develops en route navigational aids, especially in remote areas.

Speaking during the official presentation of the findings, Captain Forjoe detailed, “We have recommended that the Air Force acquire modern aircraft with terrain avoidance warning systems and modern navigation systems”.

“The aircraft should also have cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders, which are the audio-visual capable types.”

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