The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus H175 helicopter, marking a pivotal milestone in the government’s Parliament-approved fleet modernization programme.
The aircraft arrived at the Air Force Base in Accra on Thursday, 5 March 2026, following a ferry flight from the Airbus Helicopters facility in Marignane, France.
This delivery follows the successful completion of technical acceptance procedures and a strategic flight path spanning Spain, North-West Africa, and the Atlantic coast.
This acquisition is the first phase of a broader procurement initiative aimed at revitalizing the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
The Parliament-approved package includes three (3) Airbus H175 helicopters, one (1) Airbus H160 helicopter, and one (1) Dassault Falcon 6X long-range aircraft.
These assets are set to replace aging platforms, reducing operational limitations and significantly boosting the Air Force’s mission readiness.
Upon touchdown, the H175 was honored with a traditional water cannon salute—a ceremonial “arch of water” provided by airport fire trucks to welcome the new asset into service.
Following the salute, the aircraft was consecrated by the GAF clergy, led by the Director General of Religious Affairs, Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood.
The high-level delegation that received the aircraft included:
Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Acting Minister for Defence
Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways
Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister for Defence
H.E. Raphael Pont, Deputy Head of Mission, French Embassy
Lieutenant General William Agyapong, Chief of the Defence Staff.
The presence of French diplomatic officials underscored the strengthening defence partnership between Ghana and France.
The Airbus H175 is a versatile, state-of-the-art platform equipped with advanced avionics and increased payload capacity.
It is expected to transform the Air Force’s ability to conduct Search and Rescue (SAR), humanitarian assistance, medical evacuations (MEDEVAC), disaster response, maritime surveillance, counter-insurgency, and troop and logistics transport.
”The addition of the H175 provides the endurance and rapid response capability needed to address both conventional and emerging security challenges in the sub-region,” officials noted during the ceremony.
Before the helicopter enters active service, it will undergo a rigorous post-delivery protocol.
This includes comprehensive technical inspections, documentation verification, ground and functional flight checks, aircrew conversion training, engineering familiarization, and formal induction into the operational inventory.
This acquisition reaffirms the Ghana Air Force’s commitment to maintaining air superiority and providing essential support for national security and developmental goals.
By 1960news.com
