Ghana Air Force Welcomes First Airbus H175 Helicopter Boosting Multi-Mission Capabilities

The Ghana Air Force marked a significant milestone in its fleet modernization on March 5, 2026, with the arrival of its first Airbus H175 helicopter. This advanced rotorcraft, delivered from France, represents the initial delivery under a contract signed in January 2026 between Ghana’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Helicopters.

The agreement covers four helicopters in total: two H175M multi-mission variants, one ACH175, and one ACH160. The H175M models are configured for versatile roles including troop and personnel transport, search and rescue operations, emergency medical services, and disaster relief efforts. The ACH175 and ACH160, from Airbus’s corporate line, will primarily support government transport needs.

Photos shared online captured the formal handover at an Accra airbase, showing the sleek helicopter adorned with Ghanaian insignia alongside defense officials. The aircraft completed a multi-leg ferry flight from Marignane, France, passing through Europe and West Africa before touching down successfully after technical acceptance procedures.

This procurement, approved by Parliament under President John Mahama’s administration, signals a strategic shift toward Western-sourced equipment. It enhances interoperability, reliability, and capability compared to the existing fleet, which includes Russian Mil Mi-17/171 and Chinese Harbin Z-9 helicopters.

The arrival underscores Ghana’s commitment to strengthening national defense, emergency response, and air transport infrastructure as part of broader efforts to modernize the Ghana Armed Forces.