The Ghana Air Force has taken delivery of its first Airbus H175 as part of efforts to modernise its aircraft fleet and strengthen operational capacity.
The helicopter arrived in Accra on Thursday, 5 March 2026, after being flown from Marignane, where it was handed over by the manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters, following the completion of technical acceptance procedures.
The aircraft was ferried through Spain and parts of North-West Africa before continuing along the Atlantic coastline of West Africa on its final leg to Ghana.
The delivery forms part of a wider acquisition programme approved by Parliament to strengthen the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces. The programme includes the purchase of one Airbus H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, as well as a Dassault Falcon 6X from Dassault Aviation.
Upon arrival at the Air Force Base in Accra, the helicopter was welcomed with a water cannon salute, a traditional aviation gesture used to mark the introduction of new aircraft into service.
A brief consecration ceremony was later conducted by clergy led by Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood, Director General of Religious Affairs of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The reception ceremony was attended by the Acting Minister for Defence, Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza; Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyenfi; Deputy Head of Mission at the French Embassy, Raphael Pont; Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong; and other senior officers of the armed forces.
Military officials say the addition of the helicopter will enhance the Air Force’s ability to undertake a range of operations including search and rescue missions, medical evacuations, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, maritime patrols and troop transport.
Equipped with modern avionics, extended operational range and increased payload capacity, the aircraft is expected to improve response capability in both security and emergency operations.
Before it is deployed for operational duties, the helicopter will undergo routine post-delivery procedures including technical inspections, documentation checks and system testing.
Training for pilots and engineering personnel will also be conducted to ensure the aircraft is fully integrated into the Air Force’s operational and maintenance systems.
