The Ghana Air Force has received its first Airbus H175 helicopter from France as part of efforts to modernise its operational fleet.
The aircraft arrived in Accra on Thursday, March 5, 2026, after being ferried from Marignane in France by Airbus Helicopters. The delivery flight passed through Spain and North-West Africa before continuing along the West African Atlantic coast to Ghana.
The helicopter forms part of a broader defence procurement programme approved by Parliament to strengthen the capabilities of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The programme includes the acquisition of one Airbus H160 and three H175 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, as well as a Dassault Falcon 6X long-range aircraft from Dassault Aviation.
On arrival at the Air Force Base in Accra, the helicopter received a ceremonial water cannon salute, a traditional aviation welcome used to mark the entry of a new aircraft into service. The aircraft was later consecrated by clergy led by Brigadier General Benjamin Godson Kumi Wood, Director General of Religious Affairs.
Officials present at the ceremony included Acting Defence Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, Roads and Highways Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza, Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Gyenfi, French Deputy Head of Mission Raphael Pont, and Chief of the Defence Staff William Agyapong.
The new helicopter is expected to support missions such as search and rescue, medical evacuation, disaster response, humanitarian operations, maritime surveillance, and troop transport.
Before entering full service, the aircraft will undergo standard post-delivery procedures including technical inspections, training for aircrew and engineers, and integration into the Air Force’s operational systems.
