The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus H175 helicopter from France, marking a major milestone in the military’s fleet modernisation programme approved by Parliament of Ghana.
The aircraft was ferried from Marignane and arrived in Accra on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after completing all technical acceptance procedures with Airbus Helicopters.
The delivery flight followed a carefully planned route through Spain and North-West Africa before proceeding along the West African Atlantic coast to Ghana.
Part of Wider Fleet Modernisation
The acquisition forms part of a broader defence procurement programme that includes one H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, as well as a Dassault Falcon 6X from Dassault Aviation.
The initiative aims to address operational challenges associated with the Air Force’s ageing fleet while improving mission readiness and operational flexibility.
Ceremonial Welcome at Air Force Base
Upon arrival at the Air Force Base Accra, the aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon salute, a ceremonial aviation tradition in which airport fire trucks spray arcs of water over an aircraft as it taxis beneath.
The helicopter was later consecrated by clergy led by the Director General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces, Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood.
High-Level Officials in Attendance
The aircraft was received by several government and military officials, including Acting Minister for Defence Cassiel Ato Forson, Minister for Roads and Highways Kwame Governs Agbodza, and Deputy Minister for Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi.
Also present were the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France in Ghana, Raphael Pont, the Chief of the Defence Staff William Agyapong, and other senior officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Expanding Operational Capabilities
The addition of the Airbus H175 is expected to enhance the Ghana Air Force’s ability to undertake search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime surveillance, and troop and logistics transport.
Equipped with advanced avionics, extended operational range and higher payload capacity, the helicopter is designed to provide improved endurance and rapid response capability in addressing both conventional and emerging security challenges.
Operational Integration
Before entering active service, the helicopter will undergo standard post-delivery procedures, including technical inspections, documentation verification, ground and functional checks, and formal induction into the Air Force’s operational inventory.
Aircrew conversion training, engineering familiarisation and integration into existing command and maintenance systems will also be conducted to ensure the safe and effective deployment of the aircraft.
The Ghana Air Force says the acquisition underscores its commitment to strengthening operational capability and delivering effective air power in support of national security and development objectives.
