Ghana Air Force receives brand new Airbus helicopter from France

The Ghana Air Force has obtained a newly acquired Airbus H175 helicopter from France as part of efforts to modernise its operational fleet.

The aircraft was ferried from Marignane in France and arrived in Accra on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after completing technical acceptance procedures with manufacturer Airbus Helicopters.

The delivery was announced in a post shared on X on March 5, describing the arrival as a milestone in strengthening the country’s air capabilities.

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

According to the update, the acquisition forms part of a broader defence procurement programme that received parliamentary approval to improve the operational readiness of the Ghana Armed Forces.

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

The helicopter undertook a long ferry flight before reaching Ghana, following a carefully planned route across parts of Europe and Africa.

“The state-of-the-art helicopter was ferried from Marignane, France, and arrived in Accra, Ghana, on Thursday, 5 March 2026, after the successful completion of all technical acceptance procedures with the manufacturer, Airbus Helicopters,” the post explained.

It added that the delivery flight passed through several regions before touching down in Ghana.

“The delivery flight followed a carefully planned route through Spain and North-West Africa before continuing south along the West African Atlantic coast through several countries en route to Ghana,” the statement said.

The acquisition is part of a wider agreement between Ghana’s Ministry of Defence and Airbus Helicopters aimed at expanding the country’s aviation capabilities.

Under the agreement announced earlier this year, the ministry secured multiple helicopters designed for both military and transport operations.

“Airbus Helicopters has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Defence of Ghana for two H175Ms, one ACH175 and one ACH160,” details of the agreement indicated.

The H175M helicopters are expected to play several operational roles within the Ghana Air Force.

“The H175Ms will be used as multi-mission helicopters for transport, search and rescue, emergency medical services and disaster relief,” the agreement stated.

Meanwhile, the ACH175 and ACH160 aircraft will mainly be used for transport operations once they are delivered.

“The ACH175 and ACH160 will be operated for transport,” the contract details added.

The arrival of the first helicopter signals the beginning of a phased delivery that defence authorities say will strengthen Ghana’s capacity to respond to emergencies, support humanitarian operations and enhance overall aerial mobility for the armed forces.